There was plenty of soccer action over the past weekend, as Makana Local Football Association and South African Football Association SAB Regional league teams were in action.
There was plenty of soccer action over the past weekend, as Makana Local Football Association and South African Football Association SAB Regional league teams were in action.
City Pirates faced Makana Rhini United (Maru) in a regional league derby and held on to an early lead – courtesy of a goal from Nkosinathi Mpumlo – to win 1-0.
Maru enjoyed the bulk of the territory advantage, but were unable to finish off.
Jeff Budaza of the Maru management team said of his side, “The players did all what they could but results were not forthcoming.
“We spent 60 percent of the time on their half but don't break the last quarter line.”
He said that his players may have still been recovering from the previous week’s tournament in Alicedale. “I think the previous Easter weekend took its toll on the players,” he said.
In that tournament, Maru performed well, topping their group to book their spot in the semi-finals. Here they beat All Stars from Port Elizabeth on penalties to meet a Vodacom merger of Glenville and Hotspur from Port Elizabeth. In the final Maru put all on the line to hold on to a 1-1 draw at full time. However, they fell short of the gold medals, losing 2-4 on penalties.
In another regional league game, Makana Pillars beat United Eleven from Bathurst 3-2. United dominated the first half of the game, but it was Pillars who came back strong in the second half to claim victory.
Bongani Klaas was first to score for Pillars, before an own goal helped them to one more. Zukisani Zamani then gave his side the lead and put the final nail in the coffin.
“It was a very tough game, it’s not easy playing against a very organised team,” said Bulelani Papu, Makana Pillars captain.
In the third regional league match, Eleven Attackers won on soft points as their opponents did not pitch up.
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