Makhitha Oscar Stars beat their rivals, Makhitha Yellow Birds, 1-0 in the MMK Administrators league match played at the Makhitha grounds on Saturday.

Stars took the match to Birds from the first whistle, forcing the opposition's defence to abandon their positions and pack themselves at the back.

Stars threatened to score in the fourth minute. Their diminutive left-footed striker, Takalani Mbekwa, went loose from the far left corner after beating two defenders in a row and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

The Stars keeper, Faith Ratombo, pulled off a brave save when Itani Dzhabuli forced his way through the defence of Stars before passing to Shumani Nthulane. His attempt missed the target by inches.

Leavy Machaba of Stars scored the only goal of the match in the 34^th minute. He unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that beat the keeper of Birds, Engedzani Musihana.

The second half saw Birds pressing hard in search of the equaliser. Khathutshelo Ramuedzisi of Stars dribbled past three defenders in a row, but shot wide when left with only the keeper to beat.

Frans Lethole and Aubrey Makhokha of Birds were cautioned with yellow cards for different infringements. Birds substituted Itani Dzhabuli and Awelani Ravuku for Takalani Tshituka and Shumani Nthulane respectively.

Stars keeper Faith Ratombo dived to stop the shot of Rudzani Nebulu late in the match.