National First Division Wrap
Stellenbosch
National First Division title-chasers, Royal Eagles and Ajax Cape Town, both dropped vital points during hard-fought draws against lowly Cape Umoya United and Real Kings respectively, while log leaders, Stellenbosch FC thumped University of Pretoria 5-0. In addition, there were wins for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM) and Richards Bay FC, who overpowered Jomo Cosmos 1-0. Just when it looked like Eagles had secured a valuable 1-0 home win at the Chatsworth Stadium, Umoya's Gavin Hammers levelled matters during an action-packed encounter, which included some good football as well as the referee flashing red and yellow cards. Earlier, Diego Brown had opened the scoring for the big-spending KZN outfit after a goalkeeping error. The Urban Warriors remain a point behind Eagles following their goalless draw in Durban with struggling Kings. The match was characterized by some late drama when both outfits missed good chances to grab that all-important winner. Stellenbosch bounced back to show AmaTuks, who was best at Idas Valley, where Abednigo Mosiatlhago's brace coupled with single strikes from Iqraam Rayners (his 16th), Junior Awono and Ashley du Preez means that the Winelands-based team are 5 points ahead of Eagles. TTM boosted their chances of a spot in the play-offs by overpowering last-placed Witbank Spurs 2-0, thanks to a brace by Phumelele "Ace" Bhengu. This result has given TTM renewed hope, however, the same cannot be said for Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba's Siyavutha, who're in dire trouble four points from safety with just fifteen to play for. In fact, the situation at the bottom remains tense after an injury time header by TS Sporting's William Nkosi that denied Ubuntu Cape Town a home victory. Ubuntu went ahead in the 73rd minute via Fawaaz Basadien but again failed to hold onto their advantage. The much-anticipated Mpumalanga derby between Mbombela United and TS Galaxy in Kameelrivier ended all square at 1-1 with Sekela Sithole (Tingwenyama) and Lerato Lepasa on the scoreboard. It was the same result at Princess Magogo as Maccabi FC fought back gallantly to net a very late equaliser against Uthongathi FC
