DISPLAYING the kind of form that should see them climbing the National First Division log, Thanda Royal Zulu FC were desperately unlucky to share the spoils in a 1-1 home draw with high-riding Chippa United on Sunday.
Playing in cold, blustery conditions more suited to the Cape side, Amabhubesi controlled most of the game, even when playing directly into a gale force wind in the first half.
But, after the teams went to the change rooms with a goalless score sheet after 45 minutes, Thanda’s faithful fans at the uMhlathuze Stadium were stunned when feeble shot trickled over the line shortly after the resumption.
This may have deterred a less determined side, but it served to spur the local outfit on to increased efforts.
Coach Prof Ngubane has done wonders with his young outfit and they launched attack after attack in an attempt to salvage a point.
They did this midway through the second stanza when Cebelihle Cele’s perfect cross was met by Velile Zitha, who steered the ball past a despairing Ryan Harrison in the Chippa goals.
It was certainly a well-deserved reward for the continual assault they made against the Chilli Boys.
This despite losing Gerald Xowane to a dubious second yellow card with referee Victor Hlungwani deeming he had gone down too easily after contact just outside the box, when he was clearly bumped by the defender.
With no league fixture this weekend, Thanda’s next outing will be away to Sivutsa Stars on 19 October.
If they continue to show the remarkable improvement they have in the past two games, they need have no fears for any of the NFD sides.
After a bad start that has been shaken off, objective number one is to slowly reel in the sides above them.
On Sunday’s performance, there’s no reason this should not happen.
