Hlawulani “Zakazaka” Rikhotso was a marvel to watch when his team, Kurhuleni Happy Fighters, beat Mulima FC 2-1 in their MMK Funeral Services League match at the Kurhuleni grounds on Sunday.

Zakazaka scored a brace in the match. It was evident from the onset that Fighters were playing in front of their home crowd, as it was difficult for the visitors to win the ball in the middle of the park. Fighters made their intentions clear nine minutes into the game. The volley of their left flank, Excellence Maluleke, missed the goal mouth by inches.

Mulima gained momentum as the game progressed. The only time they threatened to score in the first half was when Vongani Manyike went loose from the left corner and shot wide from close range.

The home side opened their account in the 29th minute. Zakazaka Rikhotso received a neat pass from Seuntjie Kheisana and unleashed a half-volley from the edge of the box. The keeper of Mulima, Pride Manyike, watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net. Happy Fighters enjoyed their 1-0 lead until the proceedings for the first half came to an end.

Happy Fighters used all their substitution chances earlier in the last half. They replaced Kheisani, Nkateko Maphophe and Mangaliso Masangu with Mpho Sotshaya, Charles Chauke and Matimba Ntsumelo respectively. Happy Fighters increased the margin in the 59th minute. Zakazaka Rikhotso tried his luck from outside the box with a long ground cutter.The ball went past under Mulima keeper Pride Manyike’s armpit before hitting the woodwork and crossing the goal line.

Fighters’ second goal was an insult to the visitors. They started to play entertaining football thereafter. Their consolation goal came in the 78th minute via Thabelo Tshikweta. He forced his way through the defence of Fighters and finally beat the keeper with a volley.