The MMK Funeral Services League rookies, Cobra Stars, rose to the occasion and held Rockers FC to a 1-1 draw in their MMK Funeral Services League match at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.

 The absence of Tsumbedzo “Zoo” Manamela in the Rockers' defence was evident from the onset as the Stars were doing as they pleased within the territory of Rockers.

Cobra Stars threatened to score in the 14th minute. Their left winger, Asiashu Nemavhola, went loose from the left corner and unleashed from close range. The ball hit the side netting and landed outside the field of play for a goal kick. Ntsieni Nengovhela of Rockers was booked for a late tackle on Mukovhe Maphangwa in the 19th minute.

Cobra Stars were the first to introduce a new face to their starting line-up. They replaced Khuthadzo Mashau with Ndamulelo Ravhura in the 27th minute. No goal was seen during the first 45 minutes, despite numerous attempts by both sides.

Rockers effected the first change to their starting 11 three minutes into the last half. They introduced Dakalo Tshisikule and sacrificed Hulisani Thanyani, who was looking weary from the start.

Thanyani’s introduction was not good enough to stop Cobra Stars from taking the lead in the 64th minute. Ndamulelo Ravhura hooked in the ball after a scramble within the box. Mukondeleli Tshivhula of Rockers was also reprimanded with a card for a continued argument with the referee.

Rockers found the equalizer in the 74th minute. Rotondwa Kutame finished off a square pass from Unarine Kudzingana. Tshifhiwa Ramaphosa of Rockers and Ntsieni Muvhango of Cobra Stars were given their marching orders for exchanging blows on the playing field. The game came to a halt for about ten minutes after the fans of Rockers started to throw different objects onto the pitch. The situation later calmed down and the game continued as if nothing had happened.