Basel FC continued to collect league points when they beat Giyani Hotspurs 3-1 at Makwarela last Saturday.

Basel took the game to the visitors from Mopani District from the first whistle. Realising that they were unable to match Basel, Hotspurs started to display rough skills. They did not get far with their dirty tricks, as Referee Thabelo Tshienda warned one of them, Prinsloo Mbombi, with a card in the ninth minute.

The home side was awarded a free kick just outside the box 25 minutes into the game. Matimba Rikhotso scored from the set piece with a half volley.

As part of their many efforts to bring the team back into the game, the technical staff of Hotspurs introduced three new faces early in the second half. Rhulani Zitha, Kulani Mabunda and Prinsloo Mbombi were replaced with Senior Maluleke, Molatelo Molewa and Sydney Maluleke respectively.

The hosts responded by replacing Fhulufhelo Sithodolo and Kulani Mtekule with Lebogang Sithole and Lucky Mkhari respectively.

As if they were spectators, the defenders of Hotspurs watched as Velile Mbatha penetrated their ranks and scored Basel’s second goal in the 64th minute.

The former Black Leopards and Mpumalanga Black Aces striker, Walter Ramulondi, scored Basel’s third goal with a bicycle kick. Hotspurs did not throw in the towel. They were awarded a penalty nine minutes before the final whistle. Lesly Malungani scored from the spot to bring the final score to 3-1.