In their pre-season match at the Tshiphuseni grounds on Sunday, Bofulamato United FC proved their critics wrong by beating Tshiphuseni All Stars 10-9.

Bofulamato United or Up the Blinds, as they are affectionately called, were out of touch in the first 15 minutes and were severely punished for that. All Stars scored a beautiful goal in the 12th minute. Dzudzanani Maluge forced his way through the defence of United and unleashed a ground cutter from the edge of the box. The keeper of United, Khuthadzo Mathivha, tried to block the shot, but his effort was not good enough to clear the ball away and the ball finally hit the back of the net.

Stars continued to play entertaining football as the game progressed, but the United defence denied them a number of obvious scoring opportunities.

Martin Mathebula could not believe his eyes when his close-range volley hit the side netting for a goal kick. As if that was not good enough to stir up the team’s fans, Lutendo Mulaudzi committed a similar blunder a little later.

Realizing that their keeper, Pfarelo Malatjie, was not performing according to expectations, the team’s technical staff decided to replace him with Vhulenda Matshinyatsimbi towards the end of the first half. Talifhani Muleya scored the United equalizer four minutes before the break.

The score was 1-1 at the end of the regulation time and the winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out. Bofulamato United converted nine of their chances through Gudani Mudavhi, Mulaifa Mbuvhana, Talifhani Muleya, Tshilidzi Nefumbani, Zwanga Madzhiga, Azwianewi Mbuvhana, Murwa Mudau, Hulani Mphephu and Lufuno Ligugela, while Fhumulani Madume’s volley was saved. All Stars scored eight from the white spot.