IN a display sharper than the sword of Damocles that hangs over their head, Thanda Royal Zulu FC sliced apart NFD log leaders Jomo Cosmos in a spirited 2-1 win at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Saturday.
Like the mythological man who sat briefly on the king’s throne, Jomo’s boys barely had time to enjoy their reign after they annexed first place last week courtesy of Amabhubesi’s victory over then top team Golden Arrows.
In consecutive games, Thanda have now unseated two of the sides most likely to be vying for promotion and a return to their former PSL status come the season’s end.
It is worth noting that the lions of Zululand have only lost twice this season and with the attackers now finding the net with more frequency they are probably the most feared side in the league at present.
Saturday’s game was as close as the 2-1 score line suggests, and Thanda had to draw on all their physical and mental reserves to bag the three points.
Cosmos started off at blistering pace and Thanda had keeper Nimrode Tsengwa to thank for two blistering point blank saves in as many minutes at the start of the match.
Thanda came back into the game as the half progressed and with neither side able to take their chances it ended goalless with the visitors perhaps shading a riveting contest.
Rattled the net
The second round between two top class outfits was far more eventful, with both teams sending more men forward in the quest for goals.
It was Thanda who drew first blood after Ace Benghu headed onto the crossbar and Michael Gumede pounced on the rebound to rattle the net with a firm blast (1-0).
This was followed by a spell of sustained attack with best chance going to Nkosingiphile Ncobeni, who shot wide and then Gumede’s strong cross beating everyone in a crowded box.
But as has been the case all too often this season, a defensive lapse opened the path for Cosmos to equalise and the season’s seventh draw seemed on the cards.
This was not to be, as Thanda came back with a resoluteness not often seen this season.
Captain Diamond Thopola led from the front, ably supported by my man of the match, Velile ‘The Rock’ Zitha.
The home side refused to back out of 50-50 balls to be intimidated by some kamikaze tackling and appeared the fitter as they stormed back in waves of attack.
It was the skipper who set up the winner, losing the ball, but fighting to get it back to thread a superb cross to the waiting Ace Bhengu, who added another goal to his personal tally – eight and still counting.
Thopola nearly iced the cake with a magic run into the box, but failing to put it wide of Cosmos stopper Sherwyn Naicker.
Third-placed and only one win from pole position, Thanda have done well on the road and with away fixtures against Garunkuwa (15th) and Witbank Spurs (8th) could top the table by the mid-season break.
