In their rehearsal match, which was played at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday, Rospa United proved beyond doubt that they are ready for the new season by beating Giyani Hotspurs 3-2.

As if it was an official match, both sides displayed entertaining football from the onset to the bitter end. Pressure mounted on the defence of Hotspurs within the first 10 minutes. A defender of Hotspurs, Brown Khuzwayo, handled the ball within his own penalty area in the eighth minute. That prompted the Dzimauli referee, Mr Christopher Mugeri, to award the home side a penalty. Bongani Mokoena made no mistake from the white spot.

Hotspurs' endless efforts paid off after 24 minutes of play. Their left-footed midfielder, Molatelo Molewa, tried his luck from the 35-meter area. His volley was too hot for the United keeper, Emmanuel Mukwevho, to handle. Mukwevho watched helplessly as the ball hit the crossbar and bounced across the goal line.

That was an insult to the players of United. They initiated numerous dangerous moves from behind, thus forcing the defenders of Hotspurs to play with their backs against the wall. United were leading 2-1 when the referee blew the half-time whistle. Their second goal was scored by Thabiso Lesia shortly before the break.

Rospa introduced Gift Ramaxwaila and sacrificed Mahoota Dumasi early in the last half. That was the turning point of the game as United started to invade the opponents’ territory on a full-time basis. Lesley Malungani scored Spurs’ equalizer with a header in the 64th minute.

Hotspurs effected two changes to their starting line-up moments thereafter.

Khutso Legari was brought down within the box and it was a clear penalty for United. Giggs Motsoko converted to make it 3-2. Hotspurs missed a fortune late in the game. They were awarded a penalty after Oscar Silima obstructed Marvelous Makwakwa inside the box. Ghabo Nkosi caused an upset by shooting wide.