Mixed fortunes for Mukula Young Santos in play-offs

Mukula Young Santos started their MMK Administrators League promotional play-off matches with a bang, but the wheel of fortune turned against them in their last two matches.

They beat Muswodi Happy Fighters 2-0 in their opening match at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday, but shared the spoils with United Artists, when they played to a goalless draw at the same venue the following day. Their third match was against Tshakhuma RO United, to whom they lost 1-3 on Sunday afternoon.

As if they were going to bury Santos alive, Happy Fighters started the game like a house on fire but their original stamina vanished with time. Fighters threatened to score in the eighth minute. Their slender striker, Gudani Ramuthelo, was unlucky when his volley hit the woodwork and bounced out of the field of play.

Rinae Ndwammbi of Happy Fighters was the first player to go into the referee’s book. He obstructed Vuwani Nendauni just outside the box in the 18th minute. Young Santos gained momentum with time and scored their first goal via Candy Khaukanani in the 24th minute. Khaukanani broke loose from the right corner and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.

Santos were forced to effect an early change to their starting line-up. They introduced Freedom Makhuvha for Jacob Ramudzuli, who was taken to hospital with a dislocated elbow joint. Tshimangadzo Managa of Santos was booked, following a continued argument with the referee two minutes before the half-time whistle.

Happy Fighters introduced Mavhuthu Makana and Zachariah Ndou for Rinae Ndwammbi and Lutendo Mukondeleni early in the last half. Santos were reduced to 10 men in the 74th minute. Phathutshedzo Takalani handled the ball intentionally and the referee did not hesitate to send him off. Joshua Netshilindi scored the second for Santos with a header after a corner kick that was taken by Tshimangadzo Managa in the referee’s optional time.

Sport - Date: 16 July 2015

Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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