The SAB League rookies, Tshakhuma RO United, rose to the occasion and held Rockers FC to a 1-1draw in their SAB League match at the FNB Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.

The game started 20 minutes later than the 15:00 scheduled kick off time. The teams waited in vain for the arrival of the match officials and finally the referee selector, Mr Collins Netshiongolwe, who was at the stadium, decided to officiate. United approached the game aggressively, but their stamina vanished with time.

The first 20 minutes saw Rockers chasing the action, but United failed to convert the chances they managed to create. Realizing that their scoring chances were slim, United sacrificed their midfielder, Rendani Mukomafhedzi, for Vhutshilo Nkhumeleni. At that stage, the game was only 19 minutes old.

No goal was seen during the first half, despite United´s making one attempt after the other. The second half saw Rockers introducing Livhuwani Ramaligela for Mashudu Kutama, who was looking weary from the start.

Ramaligela’s introduction proved to be a clever move on the part of the Rockers’ technical staff. Ramaligela formed a deadly combination with Mukondi Tshivhula.

Rockers were the first to find the net. Mashudu Siobo hit the target, following a scramble within the box. Tshakhuma RO United replaced Khathutshelo Nemusumani and Rolivhuwa Raphalalani with Phatutshedzo Matodzi and Thivhulawi Silima respectively.

United took the game to their opponents soon afterwards. They found the equalizer via Victor Makhaukhau in the 78th minute. He forced his way through the defence of Rockers and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.