Mphego Real Rovers proved that they really mean it when they say they want to escape relegation, when they beat Marula XI 2-1 in their MMK Administrators' League match at the Mphego grounds on Saturday.

Marula committed suicide by leaving the Rovers’ bulldozer striker, Vuledzani “Bashin” Ntsieni, unmarked most of the time. Ntsieni was a thorn in the flesh of the defenders of Marula as he managed to keep them running for cover for the better part of the game. He scored a brace in the game.

He threatened to score in the 11th minute. This after he received a beautiful pass from Ndivhuwo Sadiki and unleashed a half-volley from just outside the box. Ntsieni’s time came in the 24th minute. He beat the keeper with a volley from a free kick.

The goal was a wake-up call for the strikers of Marula. They initiated several promising moves from behind, making it difficult for the opposition to breathe in the middle of the park. Rovers managed to keep Marula out of their danger area until the half-time whistle was blown.

Real Rovers rectified their mistakes and started to dictate the terms again. They strengthened their midfield by introducing Khodani Tshisikule and David Munyai for Khethani Tshisikule and Thompho Ramabulana respectively. Rovers increased the margin through Vuledzani Ntsieni in the 67th minute. He scored with a diving header.

Khodani Tshisikule was warned with a card for dangerous play 15 minutes before the final whistle.

Marula’s solitary goal came in the 79th minute. Percy Khosa scored with a banana kick from the free kick after Shavhani Netshilaphala was brought down in the 25m area. Rovers played defensive football for the remaining part of the game.