Madombidzha Western Stars paved their way up to the Safa ABC Motsepe League when they hammered Muraleni United 5-0 in an MMK Administrators’ league match at Madombidzha on Sunday.

Stars displayed entertaining football. United was only good at the far back, and their midfielders hesitated for too long and did not release the ball on time for the goal poachers. This sloppy performance put the defence under pressure.

The boys from Muraleni initiated some promising moves from the centre of the pitch but were denied a number of scoring opportunities by the defence of Stars.

Stars broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. Thabo Matuba forced his way through the defence of United and scored an easy goal from close range. Maanda Magoro was on target in the 45th minute to make it 2-0.

They continued to pressure their opponents by creating promising moves from the centre of the pitch. Thabo Matuba tried his luck from outside the penalty box with a volley. The United keeper, Faith Ratombo, could only watch the ball hit the net to bring the half-time score to 3-0.  United missed two clear chances in the last stanza. John Marindi made an unforgettable blunder when he shot wide from close range after receiving a neat pass from Balo Mathavha in the 74th minute.

As if that was not enough to stir up the fans, Marindi caused another upset three minutes later. He shot aimlessly from outside the box, much to the disappointment of the team’s supporters.

The new signee, Aluwani “Killer” Nedzamba, finished off a rebound after Robby Munonoka tried his luck from outside the box to score thefourth goal. The keeper of United Faith Ratombo was injured when he tried to clear the ball and left the pitch on a stretcher. Dyk Maringa was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Stars were awarded a penalty and the keeper of United Balo Mathavha miraculously saved the penalty. Thabo Matuba of Stars completed his hat trick to score his team’s fifth goal.