Cosmos get first points on board
UNBEATEN BUCKS FALL TO MACUPHU STRIKE Antipas’ AmaZulu look to be the team to beat in NFD.
Jomo Cosmos finally broke their winless streak in the National First Division this weekend, handing Mthatha Bucks their first defeat in the process. They won courtesy of Mxolisi Macuphu’s 70th-minute strike.
Bucks had not lost a game and were looking for three points to jump back to the top of the standings, but Jomo Sono’s team had other ideas. Bucks are now fourth with seven points, while Cosmos are on five points and 11th.
AmaZulu meanwhile continued their impressive run, routing University of Pretoria 3-0 at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Mabhuti Khenyeza and Siyabonga Nomvethe were the scorers, with the latter netting twice. The win catapulted Usuthu to the top where they enjoy a three-point lead.
Coach Joey Antipas said his team would now try to make Princess Magogo their fortress.
“We just have to continue in this mode. When you’re playing at home you have to win all your games. Today the boys put on a splendid display,” said Antipas after Saturday’s game.
After Saturday’s defeat, Tuks fell to fifth position on seven points. Shaun Bartlett’s team will need to pick themselves up quickly if he is to repeat the near-miraculous feat he achieved at Golden Arrows over two years ago. Tuks host Cosmos on Saturday, while AmaZulu are at home to FC Cape Town on Sunday.
Meanwhile, it was a case of so near and yet so far for new Cape Town All Stars coach Patrick Mabedi as his team blew a 3-1 lead to end up sharing the spoils with Santos on Friday afternoon. The match ended 3-3 after the People’s Team launched a late comeback.
All Stars are currently bottom of the table with one point off four games, and parted ways with veteran mentor Mlungisi “Professor” Ngubane last week, replacing him with the former Kaizer Chiefs defender.
The Thanda Royal Zulu v Witbank Spurs match that was postponed almost two weeks ago due to a water-logged pitch will be replayed tomorrow at uMhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay.
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