The newly promoted Shonisani FC started the new season on a sad note, when they lost 0-2 to United Artists in their SAB League match at the Guvhukuvhu Secondary School grounds.

United Artists were more organised in the middle of the park, compared to the home side, who could hardly make more than two moves.

Artists’ midfielder, Evans Mudau, was a thorn in the flesh to the defence of Shonisani. Mudau was everywhere, making things difficult for the opponents to do as they please in the middle of the park.

The visitors were leading 1-0 at the end of the first half. Their opening goal came in the 29th minute. A defender of Shoninsani, Humbulani Ratshilumela, deflected the ball back into his own net while trying to clear it.

The keeper of Shonisani, Neani Mukhubu, was a marvel to watch throughout the second half. Mukhubu denied United Artists what everybody thought were sure goals on numerous occasions. He stretched to the limit to palm Maanda Mulaudzi’s volley away for a corner kick. Evans Mudau of United Artists was reprimanded with a card for a dangerous tackle on Rudzani Ramuntsu.

United Artists increased the margin in the 76th minute. Evans Mudau received the ball from a throw-in and ran straight to the keeper, beating him with a ground cutter. The players of Shonisani thought Mudau would kick the ball out, in line with the FIFA fair-play rule. The players of Shonisani approached the referee angrily after the goal, saying he should have stopped the game after realizing that Mudau was contravening the FIFA fair-play rule.

Percy Nevhulaudzi of Shonisani was warned with a card for a continued argument with the referee.