National First Division Wrap
There were goals galore in the NFD as Mbombela United thrashed FC Cape Town 4-1, Milano United hammered Vasco da Gama by the same score-line, while second-placed Highlands Park lost 1-0 to Mthatha Bucks, who are now safe for another season. In addition, Santos also saved their status following a 2-1 victory over Black Leopards but Moroka Swallows, who drew 1-1 with fellow strugglers, Thanda Royal Zulu, are facing relegation with only one week of fixtures left to play. The scramble for two play-off spots still hangs in the balance but Mbombela, who are three points ahead of Milano United, are the favourites, especially considering their superior goal difference. However, the situation is further complicated because the fixture between Witbank Spurs and Royal Eagles was called off in the second half due to lightning with the score at 0-0. Siyavutha, who played with only ten men from as early as the 15th minute after Percy Tau received a straight red, can still qualify, as can Eagles, if results go their way. The Lions with goals from Mlungisi Nkosi, Bongani Ndlovu (2) and Siyanda Khumalo showed the African Beasts who was best at Parow, while Eezy my Kinnes destroyed Vasco thanks to Brandon Theron, Nasief Morris, Junaid Sait and Gregory Roelf. Highlands came a cropper in the Eastern Cape where Sihle Mbhele grabbed the winner, assisted by former Bafana Bafana striker, Petrus Ngebo. The People's Team can also start preparing for a fresh start after goals from Thabani Mthembu and Mhlengi Sigwebela. The Birds had to win their clash but after the veteran Dikgang Mabalane had opened the scoring, Thanda fought back courageously to equalise in the dying seconds. Amahbubhesi host African Warriors next Sunday to see which side will survive. The majority of these pen-ultimate fixtures had repercussions at both ends of the table with the exception of the mid-table clash between AmaZulu and Cape Town All Stars which ended 1-1. Thembinkosi Lorch for Igugu Lekapa and Marc van Heerden were the scorers.
