Oh so close for Thanda!

DESPITE a win in their final NFD fixture on Sunday, with other results not going their way, Thanda Royal Zulu failed by just one point to make the play-offs for promotion to the Premier Soccer League.

Although the 3-2 scoreline might suggest otherwise, they easily outplayed Garankuwa United at the uMhlathuze Stadium in a game that aptly summarised their season.

Thanda banged in 48 goals during the season, only bettered by Jomo Cosmos with 52.

But their defence, which at one stage was best in the league, began conceding soft goals at crucial stages and the 33 they ultimately let through was to be their downfall.

After Nkosinathi Zitha netted their first, Ace Bhengu celebrated his call-up to the Bafana squad with a brace on Sunday to take his personal tally to 22 for the season.

But he and a number of his team mates squandered endless more chances and this was the story of the season; failing to secure games that were there for the taking.

Golden Arrows, who Thanda beat this season, comfortably won the title with 60 points followed by Comos 53, Black Leopards 51 and Thanda 50.

Interestingly, all three sides ending above them enjoyed recent spells in the PSL, showing the value of exposure at a higher level.

The final page of Thanda’s season is a heartsore one, but also ends a tale of great courage and determination.

With very limited resources compared with many of the other NFD sides, the Amabhubesi squad gave their all and surpassed expectations.