IN a brilliant performance at Parow Park on Tuesday afternoon, Thanda Royal Zulu FC drew 2-2 with title-chasers Vasco da Gama.
A brace from on-form Mhlengi Cele gained a valuable point and also left Cape soccer pundits mystified as to why Amabhubesi are rooted to the foot of the NFD table.
The home side scored the only goal of the first half, much against the run of play.
‘Thanda were even more dominant in the second period,’ said General Manager Thabane Gumede.
‘We equalised in the 70th minute but Santos went ahead again, scoring with their only shot of the half as we camped in their territory.
‘Fortunately Cele stole the point in the 90th minute.
‘The coach had made four changes after our narrow 2-1 loss to Santos on Friday, when we were again the better team but were denied on numerous occasions by the woodwork and some fine goalkeeping.
‘We gave a debut to 17-year-old Mtunzini back Lindokuhle Mthembu and he had a solid game.’
Thanda now face Chippa United at the Phillipi Stadium on Friday night in their third game on the road.
They have improved by leaps and bounds and it will come as no surprise if they take all three points from this encounter.
‘We have had little luck but the boys have been brilliant,’ said Gumede.
‘And if they can match the best, we should have no trouble getting out of the relegation zone soon.’
