In their Thakhuma derby of the MMK Administrators League at the Tshakhuma Malaria grounds on Sunday, Tshakhuma RO United proved the critics wrong by beating Tshakhuma Na Ndilani FC 3-0.

United played physical football in the first half in a bid to frustrate the opposition. The referee, Mr Eric Munyai, calmed down the situation by flashing three yellow cards in the space of 15 minutes. Lufuno “CJ” Mugodi, who scored a brace in the game, was the first player to be booked. He obstructed the keeper in the ninth minute and Munyai was quick to produce yellow. Victor Makhaukhau was also reprimanded with a card for a similar infringement moments thereafter.

RO opened their account in the 28th minute. A defender of Tshakhuma Na Ndilani, or TNN as they are known, Saddam Matodzi, handled the ball within the box. The referee did not hesitate to award United a penalty. Elvis Netshidongololo converted from the white spot to bring the half-time score to 1-0.

The captain of United, Khathutshelo Mukomafhedzi, was warned for a continued argument with the referee. At that stage, the game was 48 minutes old. United increased the margin in the 58th minute. A free kick that was taken by Khathutshelo Mukomafhedzi resulted in a scramble within the box. Lufuno Mugodi caught the keeper off guard and blasted in a rocket from close range.

TNN took the game to United after the goal, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of United. United put the matter beyond doubt in the 78th minute. Lufuno Mugodi completed his brace after beating two TNN defenders in the streamline before sending the keeper the wrong way. The keeper of United, Khuthadzo Mukomafhedzi, made his presence felt when he saved Prince Lekgau’s ground cutter in the dying minutes.