Another convincing victory for Arsenal

The game nearly took an ugly turn in the opening minutes when players of both teams engaged in rough play. This ugly scene was short-lived because the referee, Mr ME Maphaha flashed two yellow cards in quick succession and this sobered the players.

The scoreboard was blank when the teams adjourned for half time. Gezane approached the second half more purposefully with self-confidence. This then forced players of Double Seven to abandon their positions and instead pack themselves at the far back as if they had something to defend.

They paid a heavy price for this blunder. Not very long, Sipho Masedi handled the ball within the box and conceded a penalty. Colleen Hobyane of Arsenal slotted the ball home from the white spot.

Ronny Hlabangwane, the Arsenal sweeper was booked for continuously arguing with the referee. At that stage the match was 65 minutes old. Lady luck was not on the side of Kiwi Double Seven. Two minutes later their defender, Koka Rabule was given marching orders following a second bookable offence. Gezane Arsenal replaced Shadrack Malukele with Muguyo Maluleke in the 80th minute.

Muguyo missed a clear chance three minutes after his introduction. The last player to go into the referee's book was Philemon Sithole of Gezane. He was warned for obstruction. The third goal for Gezane Arsenal came in the 85th minute via Ally Swathye.

News - Date: 17 January 2003

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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