Maniini All Blacks were too strong for Western Stars in their rehersal match at the Tshiozwi grounds on Sunday, 31 July. The final score was 2-0 in favour of Blacks.

Phumudzo Mafukata of Blacks shot in a loose ball after a scramble within the box, but his shot was cleared by Lufuno Ndou. Blacks immediately took command of the game, in search of an early goal.The pressure increased on the Stars defenders, who continuously made mistakes.

The players who gave the Stars defence a terrible headache were Mashudu “Tjolo” Mashapha and Phumudzo Mafukata. Stars were playing against the wind in the first half, but managed to contain the Blacks.

The visiting side came close to scoring in the 18th minute, but Zane Nkhumeleni shot wide with only keeper Tshiamangadzo Masala to beat.

In the second half, Mashudu Mashapha beat the off-side trap and ran straight to the opponents´ keeper, Tshimanagadzo Masala, and sent him the wrong way. The goal prompted more attempts from Blacks, who invaded their opponents´ goal area on numerous occasions.

Stars came back into the game towards the 70th minute.The Madombidzha outfit was unfortunate when Oscar Ramantswana´s shot hit the post with the Blacks´ keeper, Rembuluwani Mbedzi, well-beaten. Zane Nkhumeleni scored his team´s second goal in the 80th minute. He received a neat pass from Maduvha Mudologi and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.

In the last 10 minutes of the match, Stars enjoyed more ball possession. Several promsing moves were stopped by the rock-solid defence of Blacks.