Thanda on top of the world

Three games in eight days proved no problem for the young lions

October 3, 2016

Dave Savides 2 minutes read

THANDA Royal Zulu FC now have the top rung of the NFD ladder all to themselves after smashing Real Kings 5-1 at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday.

They were done a favour by FC Cape Town, who scored an unexpected 2-1 win over former co-leaders AmaZulu.
The Amabhubesi now have a clear three point lead at the head of the table and, after four wins and one draw, are the only unbeaten side in the league.

They also boast far and away the best goal difference, having scored 15 and conceded just four on their way to pole position.

Three games in eight days proved no problem for the young lions, who showed no hint of fatigue as they trounced KZN neighbours Real Kings in terrible conditions on Sunday.

Playing with a howling southwester at their backs in the first half, they raced to a 3-0 lead by the break.

Sduduzo Dlamini opened the scoring with a bit of help from misjudgement on the part of visiting goalkeeper Mlungisi Mazibuko (1-0).

But the next two, both netted by inspirational Thanda captain Innocent Maela, were pure class.

He rose high to power home a header from a corner for his first, then beat the offside trap, outstripped his marker and thundered the ball past the helpless keeper for his brace (3-0).

Superb passing
Fears that they would also battle into the gale force wind seem founded when Siboniseni Mncwabe pulled one back for Kings after just three minutes of the second stanza (3-1).

However, Thanda mastered the conditions with a superb passing game, keeping the ball on the carpet and carving great holes in the Kings’ defence.

Jabulani Ncobeni scored the goal of the match with a tricky run, excellent close ball control and an emphatic finish (4-1).

The inter-passing and understanding up front was a joy to behold and after terrific work from Khotso Malope down the flank a tap-in from Nkanyiso Mfekayi put the final nail in the visitors’ coffin (5-1).

No Mhlengi Cele on the scorecard this time, but his energy, strength and presence were more than a handful for Kings and he had a big hand in the massive win.

Thanda’s next assignment is a tricky visit on 15 October to FC Cape Town, weekend conquerors of AmaZulu.
On this form, though, Roger Sikhakhane’s men will be hard to stop.