Thanda shares the spoils
Thanda will be back in business on Saturday with a home game, against Cape Town All Stars, another team challenging for PSL promotion.
SUPERB outfield play, poor finishing and two penalties not awarded saw Thanda Royal Zulu FC share the spoils 1-1 with Santos at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Saturday.
In doing so, they lost ground to new log leaders Golden Arrows (who they beat on Wednesday) but gained on Jomo Cosmos, who went down 3-1 to Arrows, also on Saturday.
After 21 NFD games each, the top three now comprises Golden Arrows 41points, Cosmos 39 and Thanda 38.
Amabhubesi could have scored in the 10th minute when Ace Bhengu struck the upright but conceded soon after when a defence-splitting long ball was latched onto and excellently buried by Telford Ncusana.
Thanda then took control and dominated the entire match, playing near-perfect football, except where it mattered most – in front of goal.
Nkosingiphile Ncobeni, who operated like a magician in mesmerising defenders at will, was frustrated when his pile-driver was somehow deflected, and then Diamond Thopela failed to connect when well placed.
But chances of the day went to Mthokozisi Nene, who could not side-foot a rebound into the gaping net, and Menzi Hlophe’s horror miss after the keeper dropped the ball at his feet.
There were also two blatant penalty shouts ignored by the referee when Thanda strikers were brought down from behind in the area.
Saturday home game
The second half followed the same script, with Thanda giving Santos a football lesson, using the width of the field well and raking up dozens of chances in a one-sided contest but without anything to show for it.
Thankfully, the goal did eventually come when Junior Sekete met a free kick at the far post and his headed cross found substitute Sherwin Smith, who nodded home to the joy of the small but highly vocal group of supporters.
Barely able to get out of their own occupied territory, Santos heaved a sigh of relief as they boarded the bus for the Cape with a point they were lucky to claim.
Thanda will be back in business on Saturday with a home game, against Cape Town All Stars, another team challenging for PSL promotion.
