High drama in Thanda clash

THANDA Royal Zulu once again failed to capitalize on their opportunities in their NFD clash against Moroko Swallows on Saturday in the Mhlthuze Sports Complex.

With very few spectators in the stadium, Thanda should have rammed home the advantage with Swallows playing the last 15 minutes of the first half and the whole second half with only 10 players.

This was after Tercious Malepe was red-carded for a dangerous tackle which saw Ayanda Ndlovu being stretchered off with a broken leg.

But the drama already started in the 25th minute when Swallows accused Thanda of fielding a suspended player.

After consultation between the match referee and managers of the two teams, it was proved that this was not the case and the match got underway again.

There was no score at half-time.

Goal action

Three minutes into the second half Swallows opened the scoring with a penalty by James Bell, which was matched by Thanda’s Siduduzo Dlamini who found the net six minutes later.

There was another two quick goals, first by Swallows’ Siyabonga Nomvethe and then five minutes later by Sibongiseni Zuma for Thanda.

The Swallows head coach, Ian Gorowa, who had already received a warning just before Thanda’s second goal, was then asked to leave the team bench for using abusive language.

Swallows will be pleased to have managed to hang onto the draw and the one point.

Log position

Thanda are now eighth on the NFD log on 12 points after 10 games with two wins, six draws and two losses.

The position could change after the three games played yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.

Thanda now travel to the Charles Molepi Stadium to meet African Warriors on Saturday afternoon.