Raymond “Maringa “Netshiendeulu has steered his team, Makhitha Oscar Stars, to collect maximum points after he scored a brace against league contenders Davhana Shooting Stars.

The Safa Vhembe SAB League match was played at the Makhitha grounds on Sunday, and the final score was 2-1 in favour of Makhitha.

Shooting Stars entertained soccer lovers with their soccer and dribbling skills. Had it not been for the experience of the local boys and stage fright on the side of Makhitha´s keeper, Itani Selota, the match could have gone either way.

Oscar Stars should have scored their first goal in the 20th minute, but their demon striker, Noko Moabelo, shot wide. The player whose performance was outstanding throughout this tough battle was the centre half of Shooting Stars, Shandukani Mukoma. He continuously distributed dangerous passes to his frontrunners, who let him down by shooting aimlessly.

The left flank of the home team, Phumudzo Tseisi, was cautioned in the 34th minute. Junior Sibanda of Shooting Stars cautioned for a similar offence three minutes later. Oscar Silima continued to show a spirit of commitment, despite the fact that he had already gone into the referee´s book.

Shooting Stars should have scored in the 58th minute, when a rocket from Tsakani Mahutsi hit the cross bar and bounced back in the field of play. Raymond “Maringa” Netshiendeulu of the home team headed home in the 67th minute, leaving the keeper, Tshifhango Mulaudzi, flat-footed. The wheel of fortune turned against Shooting Stars a little later. Thomas Makhubele hesitated for too long to release the ball, until he was dispossessed. Lucky Shoba equalised in the 72nd minute.

The celebration was cut short when Maringa Netshiendeulu completed his brace from what looked like an off-side position.