ABC Motsepe match turns into boxing ring

Although the ABC Motsepe League match between Gawula Classic and Giyani Hotspurs at the Malamulele Stadium on Saturday was played to the finish, there were some ugly scenes during and after the game.

The score was 1-1 when the referee blew the final whistle.

There were signs of rivalry from the first whistle as both sides demonstrated their rough skills time after time. No goal was scored during the first half, despite numerous promises by both sides. The referee, Mr Katlego Komane, warned Rivoningo Shiviti of Classic with a card three minutes into the second half. This after he had tackled Khulumane Hlongwane from behind.

Classic were the first to open their account. Ntshuxeko Makhubele blasted in a rocket, following a scramble within the box. Vutivi Mchabe of Hotspurs found himself on the wrong side of the law in the 59th minute. He obstructed Clayton Baloyi just outside the box. Hotspurs found the equalizer five minutes later. They were awarded a corner kick that was taken by Musa Rikhotso. Lassie Mathebula scored with a header.

Rophney Hlungwane of Classic and Musa Rikhotso of Spurs were given their marching orders in the 74th minute. They turned the pitch into a boxing ring and started to exchange blows after a short,  heated argument over Spurs’ goal. There was drama on the grandstand as Rikhotso and Hlungwane continued with their fistfight after leaving the pitch.

Another player of Spurs, Vutivi Mabunda, was booked for a continued argument with the referee and pointing a finger at the whistleman.

More ugly scenes erupted after the referee had blown the final whistle. A player of Hotspurs, Vutivi Mabunda, confronted the match officials angrily, accusing them of favouritism. He hit one of the assistant referees, Mr Israel Rikhotso, with his fists, saying that Rikhotso had been against them throughout the game.

The league coordinator, Mr Patrick Seema, said he was still awaiting the match reports from the match officials and clubs at the time of our going to press.

Sport - Date: 02 May 2016

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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