National First Division log leaders, Stellenbosch FC, continued to shine with a win a 1-0 victory over Uthongathi FC, TS Sporting moved up to second spot following their 2-1 success against University of Pretoria, however, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM) lost unexpectedly at home to Maccabi FC.
Furthermore, Royal Eagles and Mbombela United recorded 1-0 wins over Ajax Cape Town and TS Galaxy respectively, while Jomo Cosmos overpowered Real Kings 2-1.
An 89th minute winner by Stellenboch defender, Sibusiso Mthethwa, enabled Steve Barker’s outfit to maintain a 4-point lead over their nearest rivals.
Sporting, thanks to a brace from Decide Chauke, leapfrogged TTM and sent AmaTuks tumbling out of the top four.
At one point, the Mpumalanga club were 2-0 up before Tuks’ Mexican, Lugiani Gallardo Rodriguez, volleyed home.
In-form Maccabi FC stunned TTM by not only netting 2 goals without reply but also inflicting a first home defeat on Sello Chokoe’s well-balanced team.
Goals from two veterans, Collins Mbesuma, and Lebohang ‘Cheeseboy’ Mokoena, enabled the Johannesburg side to move into 5th position.
Eagles are now level on points (18) with Maccabi after shocking Ajax in the Mother City.
This was the Urban Warriors’ fifth defeat as their slump continues unabated.
Mbombela bounced back during an intense Mpumalanga derby, where Mziwokuthula Zimu netted his fourth goal of the campaign, which means Galaxy are closer to the drop zone.
Ezenkosi, with goals from Charlton Mashumba and Seun Ledwaba, grabbed their 17th point.
The Cape derby between two strugglers, Cape Umoya United and Ubuntu Cape Town, was characterized by missed opportunities, brilliant saves and
counter attacks.
In the end, Ubuntu’s morale boosting 2-0 victory, their second in a row after acquiring the services of expert NFD coach, Vladislav Heric, has given them some hope.
In fact, goals from Waseem Isaacs and Siphelele Luthuli, sent Umoya to the bottom of the log as their head coach and director, Roger de Sa, ponders his next move.
Included in all the drama was a missed penalty by Umoya’s Nathan Paulse, although credit must be given to goalkeeper, Malcolm Jacobs.
The match between Richards Bay and Witbank Spurs ended in a 1-1 draw.
