Six National First Division outfits played their catch-up games this weekend, the results of which made a large impact at both the top and bottom ends of the table as Santos put another nail in Thanda Royal Zulu’s coffin, Roses picked up a vital point against highflying Black Leopards and Baroka FC were once again victorious.
On Friday evening at the Athlone Stadium, the People’s Team, thanks to goals from veteran Tyren Arendse and former Ajax Cape Town junior, Matthew Rowell beat Amabhubhesi 2-1 to leapfrog United FC into fourth spot, just five points behind Vasco da Gama.
It’s not the first time this season that the Mother City’s four clubs, Milano United, Chippa United, Vasco and Santos occupy the top four berths, but with Leopards failing to win their last three encounters, only managing a 1-1 home draw on Saturday at Makhuvha Stadium, their chances of automatic promotion are fast evaporating.
The NFD’s top scorer, David Zulu, was again on target for Lidoda Duvha while Marosa’s goal interestingly came from their goalkeeper Mbhuleni Shongwe, who kicked a long ball which bounced over his opposing man between the posts to move his team out of the drop zone.
On the other hand, with all sides now having played 17 matches, Thanda sit three points adrift at the foot of the table, with a goal difference of -16.
Sunday saw Baroka FC beat Maluti FET College 2-0 in Polokwane where goals from Gift Motupa and Tshepo Mothiba elevated ‘Sello’ Chokoe’s side to fifth place.
