Although they did not qualify for promotion at the end of the tournament, Tshifhire Northern Brothers started the SAB inter-regional play-offs with a bang. They beat their Mopani District counterparts, Baobab Zero Fake, 4-2 at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday.

Northern Brothers were by far the better side when it came to ball possession. They scored their first goal in the 18th minute. Freedom Letsekga finished off a rebound after the keeper, Steven Ndovela, mishandled the ball, to give his side a 1-0 lead at half time.

Northern Brothers continued to dominate proceedings in the last half. Evans Mosipi headed home, following a corner kick that was taken by Cassius Ramaremela in the 54th minute.

The hosts put the matters beyond doubt six minutes thereafter. Edgar Molewa went loose from the right corner and unleashed a ground cutter from inside the box to make it 3-0. Zero Fake were awarded a penalty after Funzani Musenwa handled the ball within the box. Nicholas Sibanda caused an upset by shooting wide from the spot.

Zero Fake pulled one back through Tommy Mandlazi. He scored from the corner kick and the ball crossed the goal line untouched. They were awarded another penalty after Cassius Ramaremela handled within the box. Tommu Mandlazi made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Things turned against Zero Fake were when their defender, Nicholas Sibanda, handled the ball within his own danger area. That was a clear penalty for Brothers. Sibanda was given his marching orders, following a continued argument with the referee. Abel Nkhumeleni scored to bring the full-time score to 4-2.