Brothers commit suicide against Liverpool

Thenzheni Liverpool booked a place in the next stage of the NJ Munyamela Soccer Challenge by beating Tshidzivhe United Brothers 2-0 at the Muhuyu XI Experience grounds on Sunday.

Liverpool were by far the better side throughout the game when it came to ball possession. United Brothers committed suicide by playing defensive football from the onset as if they were leading.

Liverpool had themselves to blame for not scoring more than three goals within the first 45 minutes. They wasted numerous scoring opportunities. Their right flank, Bethuel Nethenzheni, was the first player to cause an upset. He hesitated for far too long to unleash within the box after receiving a neat pass from Vhudzani Managa.

Shudufhadzo Muhanelwa had his chance as well in the 25th minute. His volley hit the woodwork and bounced outside the field of play for a goal kick. Liverpool strengthened their midfield by introducing Mutshidziwa Mmbengeni for Rabelani Nephawe. United Brothers came close to scoring in the 29th minute. Ndamulelo Netshidzhivhe miskicked the ball within the box, much to the disappointment of the team’s fans.

The second half saw Liverpool initiating some dangerous moves from behind, but their strikers continued to fumble at the goal finish. Seeing that their scoring chances were slim, Liverpool introduced Lucky Ramulifho for Bethuel Nethenzheni in the 60th minute. The replacement marked the turning point of the game as Brothers started to chase the action soon afterwards.

Zwondina Matidze scored the opening goal for Liverpool with a header, following a corner kick that was taken by Rofhiwa Neluvuvhu. Shudufhadzo Ratshilumela of United Brothers was booked for obstruction on Vhudzani Managa in the 69th minute. Pfano “Adibayo” Ndidzulafhi scored the second goal in the dying minutes of the game. He forced his way through the defence of Brothers and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.

Sport - Date: 18 July 2014

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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