Mukula derby ends in draw

The much-talked-about SAB League Mukula derby between Mukula Young Santos and Mukula Avalon ended in a 1-1 draw at the Mukula Tshidzani-tsha-Maria grounds on Saturday.

Although Santos are one of the hot contenders for the league title, while Avalon are perched further down the log, the game was a thriller from the onset to the better end.

Santos’ Rastafarian striker, Rendani Madega, who would normally score more than two goals within the first 45 minutes, could not live up to the fans’ expectations as he was tightly marked. Madega was unfortunate in the 25th minute. He missed a sitter within the box after a square pass from Vhahangwele Tshifhango. Instead of relaxing and waiting for the ball to come his way, Madega rushed to the goal line, leaving the ball behind.

Vhahangwele Tshifhango of Santos was reprimanded with a card for obstruction in the 34th minute.

Santos introduced Nkhiphitheni Ramukumba and Lutendo Mahandana for Khwathisani Takalani and Nndatenei Netshitadi respectively early in the last half. They were awarded a free kick in the 35-meter area after Sharlen Munyamela was tackled roughly. Vhahangwele Tshifhango beat the keeper from the set piece to give Santos a 1-0 lead. Avalon did not stop fighting, despite the fact that time was not on their side. Martin Mafune, who came on as a substitute, was brought down within the box and the referee, Mr V Nethenzheni, awarded a penalty to Avalon.

Martin Mafune woke up and scored from the penalty spot. The players and fans for Santos were aggrieved by the referee’s decision to award Avalon a penalty. They confronted him angrily, accusing him of favouritism.

They later calmed down and left the referee alone and allowed the game to be played to the finish.

Sport - Date: 07 February 2013

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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