The pace setters of the Safa SAB league Stream E, Makhitha Oscar Stars, played their hearts out to beat the struggling Tshiozwi Dynamos 3-1 at Tshiozwi on Saturday.

Stars enjoyed more ball possession in the game and the result is a true reflection of the game. Dynamos spent the whole match running for cover.

The absence of Aluwani “Killer” Nedzamba, Tsie Nndwambi and Thabelo Mufhadi in the Dynamos team was felt from the onset. Rambuda Maphaha and Pepero Rasimphi, who were manning Nndwambi and Nedzamba’s positions, could not make the grade as the opponents used them as their freeway.

The only player who was cautioned with a card in the first half was Nyathi Muvhango of Dynamos. His offence was that of tackling an opponent, Lolo Tsieisi, roughly.

The local lads took the lead in the 26th minute, when their bulldozer striker, Matodzi Maruli, scored with a marvellous shot from a free kick. Stars missed two clear chances before the break. Ormish Mudzunga and Lolo Tseisi saw their shots sail harmlessly over the bar when the game was 42 and 44 minutes old respectively.

Stars came back strong in the second half and scored the equaliser through Godwin Mahuma, who received a neat pass from Skhakha Makgopo in the 58th minute. A few minutes later, the referee booked Matodzi Maruli for a rough tackle on Ormish Mudzunga.

Stars put the matter beyond doubt in the 65th minute, when Maclody Musitha beat the opponents’ defence and blasted in a rocket. Dynamos effected a change to their original team later in the game. Lolo Tseisi scored his team’s third goal in the 81st minute.