National First Division Wrap
Thanda Royal Zulu
There were many surprises in the National First Division as three of the top four sides suffered defeats including Thanda Royal Zulu and Milano United, who lost 3-1 and 1-0 to struggling Highlands Park and Maluti FET College, respectively. View The NFD Standings Furthermore, as log leaders, Lamontville Golden Arrows, could only manage a 1-1 draw with lowly Witbank Spurs, Jomo Cosmos leapfrogged Thanda into second spot after whipping Garankuwa United 3-1. Zeca Marques continued his magic by steering Black Leopards to a sensational last-minute 2-1 victory over Royal Eagles. As if that was not enough drama, high-flying Cape Town All Stars were downed by the same score as Santos' good form continued, while in another fierce Cape local derby, FC Cape Town with two goals from Sibusiso Masina and Moeketsi Mvula, virtually destroyed any hope that Vasco da Gama had of qualifying for the play-offs. Although Amabhubhesi's current hero, Ace Bhengu, managed his 16th finish via a penalty, his coach, Vladislav Heric, must now concentrate on next Wednesday's big home clash with Lidoda Duvha after conceding efforts from Thando Mdluli, Mothopi Mvala and an own goal. Milano have dropped well out of the reckoning following Thembinkosi Lorch's winner at Athlone, but Maluti will have to pick up maximum points in their remaining seven matches to survive the drop. Their next port of call is the NKK Rugby Stadium where the African Beasts lie in wait. Despite Abafana Bes'Thende's Mabhuti Khenyeza again finding the net, Spurs fought back to level matters thanks to Peter Mubayiwa. Leopards must again give gratitude to their star, Roggert Nyundu, whose late strike means David Thidiela's club are four points behind Thanda with their mouth-watering clash just three days away. Carl Lark and an own goal were sufficient for the People's Team to overpower Igugu Lekapa, who have suddenly lost two-in-a-row while African Warriors are still not safe following a 1-0 loss at the hands of Baroka FC. View The NFD Fixtures
