EVEN the most ardent of Thanda Royal Zulu supporters have all but given up hope of their team making the top three play-offs in this year’s National First division competition.
This after watching them suffer yet another baffling loss as they went down 3-0 to Highlands Park at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors are a classy outfit – but certainly not as superior to the Amabhubesi as the scoreline suggests.
In fact, for long portions of the game Thanda were distinctly the better side.
The first half was an even affair with both sides having chances but only the 13th minute free kick of veteran defender Jermaine Christian affecting the score.
One has to question to missing bricks in the wall as his long range shot found the left hand corner.
It must be said the Gauteng visitors had been guilty of some harsh first half tackles that were left unpunished by the referee, but it did show their intent to be ultra competitive.
Rejuvenated
Coming back a goal down after the break with two changes to the side, Thanda steamed out like an express train and looked likely to overwhelm the opposition.
The inclusion of Steven Ncanana had totally changed the mood on the pitch.
Not only did he rejuvenate the midfield, he also came close with a few fine strikes, as did Innocent Maela…and Michael Gumede…and Sibongiseni Zuma.
But for all their domination and opportunities, they were unable to make an impact where it counts.
Oh for an Ace Bhengu to supply the finishing touches!
Instead, the only goals that came were late in the second stanza from breakaways that saw Dino Ramic twice hit the back of the net for Highlands.
His second was an absolute scorcher as he latched onto a long ball and fired a first time left footed volley that gave keeper Siyabonga Mbatha no chance.
Thanda fans begun drifting home before the final whistle, once again mystified as to how much possession could produce no positive result.
