For the first time in history, Nobela All Stars managed to collect the maximum league points at the expense of Blue Rocks. They beat them 1-0 in their Vodacom Promotional League match at the Malamulele Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors from Tzaneen were strong in the midfield, from where they continuously dished out dangerous passes to their goal poachers. Their efforts could not yield any fruit as Nobela frustrated them by ballooning from behind.

The much-respected referee, Ms Lufuno Nemagovhani, flashed the first yellow card to Freddy Chauke of Blue Rocks in the 18th minute. He tackled Rine Phaswana from behind just outside the box. Another player of Blue Rocks who was cautioned with a card a little later was Edwin Moke. He requested permission to exchange his boots, but when he returned to the pitch, he did so without the referee’s consent.

Blue Rocks lost hope after they were reduced to ten men towards the end of the first half. Their right back, Jonas Mabuela, was given his marching orders, following a dangerous tackle on Leabua Lemena.

The second half saw the hosts enjoy more ball possession and become more dangerous within their opponents’ territory. The goal that made the difference came in the 67th minute. Leabua Lemena unleashed from the left wing and the keeper of Blue Rocks mishandled the ball. Norman Mathebula finished off the rebound. Dakalo Ratshitanga denied Blue Rocks a sure goal seven minutes later. He cleared the ball from the goal line with the keeper already beaten.