Central serves up engaging fare
EAST London Central Local Football Association hosted the opening round of its 2018 6th Edition Premier League fixtures over the weekend at the North End Stadium, and if the performances and results was anything to go by then we certainly can anticipate a highly exciting football season.
Defending champions Riverside started the defence of their title in the same manner they ended it last season. Inspired by a masterful performance from talisman Cuan Benny, the champions downed Conquerors 4-1 on Saturday.
The result, however, flattered the blue train as Conquerors was up to the challenge, but were punished for defensive calamities by Benny and company. After holding their own in the early exchanges, Conquerors’ hopes were dashed in the 21st minute when a rash defensive error was pounced upon by Benny, who lobbed over the keeper.
New signing Chumani Sonquishe, however, levelled matters when he breached the offside trap in the 32nd minute and headed over the advancing keeper. Benny completed his brace early in the second half when he headed home an inswinging Damian Botha near post corner-kick. Botha then turned from provider to finisher when he struck the third in the 54th minute after being given ample space on the right, and his brother, Daylen Botha, sealed it for the champions when he broke free on the right to net the fourth.
Premier Top 8 champions Seagulls also got their campaign off on a winning note when they overcame a resilient Napoli by a 2-0 margin. It could have been a different game had Newlandsbased Napoli taken the chances that came their way. However, they had to settle for second best after Keenan Francis and Anil Reddy struck on either side of halftime to seal the points for the green and whites.
The other premier league encounters did not go as planned for the top sides, as they were stunned by their opposition.
Newly promoted Scenery Park-based Millan had a dream start to their premier league campaign after they beat 2016 premier league champions, Swaraj, 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Lindokuhle Kram was the hero, netting twice, with Sinothando Mqikela also adding his name to the scoresheet. Nanduxolo Assegal and Bennet Carels replied for Swaraj.
Super goalkeeping from the highly underrated Sylvester Rooy and an all-round team performance earned Atlantic Spurs a smash and grab 1-0 win against DiRoma. Jonty Matill produced the sucker punch in the first half when he collected a defence-splitting pass and made no mistake from close in.
The win came at a price when midfielder Nathaniel Fredericks was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence on the stroke of fulltime. In the other premier league encounters Star of India were held to a 2-2 draw by Brothers of Peace. Veteran Stars striker Allistar Visagie spared his side blushes with a double strike to cancel out goals from Jaco Mentoor and Maliviwe Mbarane. Parkside United and Prides also shared the spoils in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Theoniel Plaatjies nudged Parkside ahead in the first half, before Stetson Vasi equalised with a gem of a strike.
Prides then took the lead through a predatory finish from Juninho Klaasen. However, Needwill Hendricks levelled matters midway into the second half when he converted from the penalty spot.