Tebogo Masaole's Hat-Trick Takes Golden Arrows Top
Tebogo Masaole, Golden Arrows.
There was an avalanche of goals in the National First Division as Lamontville Golden Arrows and Baroka FC shared six, while Thanda Royal Zulu and Jomo Cosmos each cracked three without reply past Black Leopards and Witbank Spurs, respectively. Furthermore, in a shock result, fourth-placed Vasco da Gama were stunned 1-0 by lowly African Warriors. The drama began at the Chatsworth Stadium where Bakgaga twice took the lead via Kuduku Maleasenya and Gift Motupa before Abafana Bes'thende grabbed the initiative with a great free kick from their captain Omar Hendricks, followed by a fantastic hat-trick by Tebogo Masaole. With this 4-2 win, Shaun Bartlett's charges are back on top after Milano United could only manage a goalless draw at home to Royal Eagles. Amabhubhesi, thanks to successful finishes from Menzi Hlophe, Diamond Thopola and Ace Bhengu, now occupy third spot, two points behind Eezy my Kinnes. But after a second loss in a row, questions are being asked about Leopards' ability to keep up with the front runners. Ezenkosi also beat Spurs 3-0, their goals coming from Brice Aka and Charlton Mashumba (2) that lifts Jomo Sono's team into the top five alongside Santos, who did well to overpower Garankuwa United 2-1 in a fiercely-contested Pretoria game (both sides had a player red carded). The Peoples' Team were two up by half time following accurate efforts by Suhayl Allie and Iqraam Rayners but although Conrad Madolo pulled one back in the 56th minute, United's woes continue. There was a great deal of relief at the Charles Mopeli Stadium, where a late Sibusiso Mdamba free kick shattered Vasco yet gave the home side some hope in their effort to avoid the drop. However, the same cannot be said for Cape Town All Stars, which fell further after a 2-0 loss to fellow rookies, Highlands Park. Scorers for Steve Haupt's team were Collen Zimba (penalty) and his captain, Simphiwe Tshabalala.
