United show Platinum stars

Colchester give Khumalo a break

MARITZBURG United moved into the topeight bracket and may have even guaranteed their safety this season with a crucial win against Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium yesterday.

Deolin Mekoa’s firsthalf opener was cancelled out by Dikwena’s Ndumiso Mabena three minutes from time, but United ’ s Mohau Mokate scored in stoppage-time to help secure a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

Steve Komphela’s side have now reached the 30-point mark, which is usually enough to ensure survival in the Premiership.

Boosted by their 1-0 victory over leaders Kaizer Chiefs last week, the Team of Choice settled quicker and had a few early opportunities to open the scoring.

A thunderous effort in the 11th minute by midfielder Ryan de Jongh was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Dikwena goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe, who also saved Kurt Lentjies’ close-range header.

The visitors deservedly took the lead just before the half hour mark – Mekoa scoring his first professional goal after he was set up by Ghanaian striker Mohammed Anas.

Stars coach Allan Freese brought attacking midfielder Robert Ng ’ ambi and winger Bryce Moon on in the second half in an attempt to put pressure on the visitors.

The hosts levelled matters three minutes from time when Mabena tapped in from close range, but Mokate was the hero with a goal in the first minute of stoppage time after he was set up by Lentjies. the sidelines last year after a serious knee injury picked up while on national team duty against Brazil, meaning he has been over a year without competitive football.

He has already been on loan to Preston North End, Reading, PAOK in Greece and Doncaster Rovers, with all except the stay at Reading considered a success.

Such was his positive impact at Rovers last season that his injury against Brazil in March was blamed as one of the major factors in the club ’ s relegation to League One.

Khumalo joined Tottenham from SuperSport United in January 2011 but has not made a single first team appearance for the side.

PHOTO: GALLO IMAGES HEADS ON: Deolin Mekoa of United, right, wins an aerial battle in their match against Dikwena yesterday FORMER Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo has been given the opportunity to rebuild his career with a short-loan move to struggling English...