Hard-earned victory for Young Santos

A goal by Thifhelimbilu Kharivhe in the 78th minute was good enough to earn Mukula Young Santos three significant points at the expense of Phandulaluvalo FC in their SAB League match at the Mukula Tshidzani-tsha-Maria grounds on Sunday afternoon.

It was the last league match for Santos’ centre back, Nkhiphitheni Ramukumba. Although he is retiring as a player, Ramukumba will not be forgotten in football as he is to pursue a career in football coaching.

Both sides displayed attacking football in the first half and thus made the game more entertaining. Phandulaluvalo had their first regret in the ninth minute. Robert Mbedzi fumbled at the goal finish after beating the offside trap.

Freddy Ratshilumela of Young Santos thought he was clever enough to cheat the referee when he pulled Robert Mbedzi from behind. He was proved wrong when the referee wasted no time in producing a yellow card. The other Santos player who was cautioned before the teams adjourned for half time was Ndateni Netshitadi. His sin was faking an injury. The referee instructed Netshitadi to get up on his feet, before cautioning him.

Phandulaluvalo introduced two new faces in the last half, but the move was not good enough to put pressure on the opponents.

Phandulaluvalo fought the last 15 minutes with only 10 men, as Robert Mbedzi was given his marching orders for a continued argument with the referee. Santos capitalised on the setback and scored their much-awaited goal via Thifhelimbilu Kharivhe. He blasted in a rocket after a scramble within the box.

Sport - Date: 20 January 2012

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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