Double leaves Bees humming sweet tune
BONGANI Chikila scored twice to ensure that EC Bees edged FC Buffalo 2-1 in their ABC Motsepe League clash at the Jan Smuts Stadium in East London at the weekend.
The important win ensured that the “Crazy Gang” remain at the summit of the logstandings with three games to go before the end of the season.
Bees went into the game as hot favourites against the struggling FC Buffalo.
But the Bhisho outfit had to dig deep for the hard-fought victory as the home side did not roll over and play dead.
Bees almost stung FC Buffalo in the seventh minute but Chikila almost opened the scoring in the seventh minute but shot wide of FC Buffalo goalkeeper Mthembu Mpongose goals.
Bees dominated from there onwards with their patient buildups from the back.
Six minutes later, Chikila forced a great save from Mpongose after Bees were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box.
FC Buffalo failed to clear the ball from the setpiece as it hit one of their defender’s hands.
Referee Akhona Makalima did not hesitate and pointed to the spot. Chikila stepped up and fired past a diving Mpongose.
From there on it seemed as if it would be a Chikila show as his shot went agonisingly wide before he hit the woodwork minutes later.
After failing to double the lead, FC Buffalo grew in confidence and started playing more like a team playing at home.
They piled on the pressure and forced Bees to defend deep.
They were finally rewarded in the 38th minute when striker Mawethu Williams rose in front of a Bees defender to connect with a Mzwandile George cross from the right, leaving goalkeeper Eziel Mamatela with no chance as he watched the ball hit the back of the net.
The hosts almost took the lead minutes later, but the Bhisho outfit was saved by the woodwork before they cleared their lines.
Bees tried to restore their lead, but Chikila was guilty of trying to do too much on his own.
Bees coach Chippa Njedu introduced Siayabulela Shai, Themba Dlamini and Siphelele Jonase in place of Sive Mzolo, Mpho Maifo and Minentle Dlongolo during the halftime break in search of maximum points.
The visitors camped inside FC Buffalo’s side as the hosts seemed happy with playing on the counter.
Jonase almost scored but Mpongose was perfectly positioned to deny the winger from close-range.
Chikila missed a glorious opportunity in the 80th minute when his strike from close-range hit the bar. However, Bees’ leading goalscorer made up for his miss with an 82ndminute tap to make it 2-1.
Njedu admitted his charges not play the best football.
“We didn’t win well but we were expecting that towards the end of the season it will not be easy.
“You can see that we have injuries and players are suffering from fatigue. But what's important now is three points regardless of how we get it,” he said.
“We are now left with three games and if we win them all, we'll win the league but we want to take it one game at a time.”
FC Buffalo coach Zukile Ntlola said their problem was allowing Bees too much time on the ball.
“That’s where we lost the game. Otherwise we matched them in all departments,” he said.
Ntlola vowed the former league champions will not be relegated.
“I want to make it clear to everyone that this team is not going anywhere. This team will survive the drop. This team will be here come next season.”
The results: Lion City 3-0 Mdantsane Mighty Bucks, City Lads 4-4 Tornado, Mthatha City 1-0 Swartkops Valley United Brothers, Future Tigers 3-1 Callies, Matta Milan 1-1 Matatiele Professionals, Young Ideas 5-1 Walter Sisulu University, FC Buffalo 1-2 EC Bees, Highbury 13 Morning Stars. did