United Artists started the new season by depositing three  points into their league account.

Although it was an away fixture for them, United Artists beat Dididi Flying Swallows 1-0 in their MMK Funeral Services League match at the Dididi grounds on Saturday.

The game started at a slow pace, with Artists using slow build-ups to launch their attacks. Artists’ former Rospa United dribbling wizard, Thomas Makhubele, wasted a great chance to grab the lead in the 10th minute, when he tried to control the ball, instead of picking a spot.  This was after he had received a terrific cross from his captain, Jeffrey Mungoni.

Mungoni was unlucky not to break the ice in the 18th minute, when his shot from inside the penalty box was saved by keeper Fhatuwani Munyai. The closest Flying Swallows came to scoring was when Mmboniseni Mudzanani’s attempt from a rebound went wide in the 28th minute. Artists’ overlapping midfielder, Robert Baloyi, fluffed the best chance in the 40th minute when his thunderous shot forced the Swallows’ keeper to produce a great save, following a defence-splitting pass from Thomas Makhubele.

The referee, Mr Eric Munyai, reprimanded Mphariseni Ndivheni of Swallows with a card, following an illegal tackle on Vuwani Masakona. Thomas Makhubele wasted another clear scoring chance on the stroke of half time, when he opted to control the ball instead of taking a shot at goal.

Artists' much-awaited goal came in the 55th minute. Captain Jeffrey Mungoni unleashed a ground cutter from the right corner.  The keeper of Swallows caused an upset when he unexpectedly palmed the ball into the net.

Mmboniseni Mudzanani of Flying Swallows was booked, following a continued argument with the referee. Vuwani Masakona and Jeffrey Mungoni were also warned with yellow cards for obstruction in the 69th and 74th minute respectively. Swallows tried everything within their power in their search for the equaliser, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of United Artists.