Derby delight for Thanda

STARTING slowly but steadily gaining momentum as the game progressed, Thanda Royal Zulu FC upset the odds when they beat Amazulu 2-1 at the Princess Magogo Stadium on yesterday afternoon (Sunday).

While the home side shaded the possession and territory stakes, the Amabhubesi always looked sharper and created the better chances.

Michael Gumede and Boikanyo Komane came close in the first quarter, while Thanda had Sbongiseni Ncanana to thank as he headed clear off the line with goalkeeper Siyabonga Mbatha out of position.

When the goal did come it was a beauty, following enterprising play down the right flank.

Menzi Hlophe was put through and his delicate chip over advancing stopper Sage Stevens was a world class finish to a brilliant move (1-0).

However, the lead did not last long as indecisive play in their own box saw Thanda concede a soft goal when Zaid Patel looped a header into the goal despite a despairing dive by Mbatha (1-1).

After the break, Thanda were clearly the better team, with the defence as solid as a rock and the midfield bossing the game.

It’s hard to pick out any single player when there is a good team effort but for me, Innocent Maela was incredible impressive, covering loads of ground and making strong tackles.

The game looked to be heading for a draw with 10 minutes to go.

Thanda had the ball in the net only to see it ruled offside and then Ncanana’s powerful shot flew just wide before Michael Gumede sealed the deal when he beat the offside trap and rifled the ball home for a well-deserved win (2-1).

Not only does it put them three points further from the relegation zone but it will give them great confidence going into their home tie against Santos at 3pm on Sunday.