AN amazingly good first half performance was followed by an equally appalling second; but the final score line read: Thanda Royal Zulu 2, Milano FC 1 and that’s all that matters.
It’s the first win of their NFD season and the three points earned will both push them up the log as well as breathe new confidence in an Amabhubesi squad that has played well but without any luck in their opening matches.
They started the game, which had a delayed start due to the dangerous heat, with a pace and precision that had the visitors chasing shadows as waves of attack from both flanks left them mesmerised.
As early as the first minute, Lindokuhle Holdeyi hit the side netting after a solo break.
He was to miss a number of similar opportunities during the match.
Thanda’s domination of the midfield was total and crisp inter-passing continually created holes in the Milano defence and it was no surprise when Menzi Hlophe put the finishing touches to just such a move (1-0).
That was to be the only goal of the half, despite plenty chances.
Hlophe could have doubled his tally when he found himself alone in the box, while Ayanda Ndlovu fired fiercely over the bar and Holdeyi just failed to get his head to Sibongiseni Zuma’s neat cross.
Thanda suffered a great injustice when a blatant hand ball in the box was not spotted by any of the officials.
A two goal lead at that stage would have given the insurance needed for a composed second stanza.
Instead, the Amabhubesi side that came out of the tunnel bore no resemblance to the team that played the first half.
Gone was the pace and the ball was given away time after time as communication failed.
Matters were levelled when keeper Samkelo Mbambo was carded for bringing down an opponent and the resultant penalty was buried by Nasief Morris (1-1).
Home fans feared another draw but Thanda were given a dubious penalty of their own which Evander Spandiel gratefully converted (2-1).
Thanda then parked the bus for some reason, all the players dropping back on defence and thus giving Milano the run of the midfield.
The result was desperation clearances for the last 30 minutes, with only the heroics of Mbambo and substitute Phumlani Mhamha sparing the blushes as the game extended into 15 minutes of extra time, the final whistle coming as great relief to club and supporters.
Credit must go to stand-in coach Asanda Mvalo who prepared his team well in the absence of suspended head coach Thami Ngubane.
