EC Bees earn promotion chance

EASTERN Cape Bees eased their way past Future Tigers with a 2-0 victory at a packed Bhisho Stadium on Saturday to book themselves a place in the promotional National First Division.

Bees went into the highly anticipated ABC Motsepe League title decider one point behind Tigers and in need of maximum points, while the Ginsberg outfit only needed a draw.

The win also meant Bees continued with their dominance over their neighbours, as they have never lost to Tigers.

Perhaps the Bees win was poetic justice as the ambitious Bhisho team led for most of the season and was by far the best team in the third-tier league – even qualifying for the Nedbank Cup last 32 where they were knocked out by Orlando Pirates.

Bees took an early lead through an own goal in the first five minutes after Tigers’ Sivuyile Zozi committed a blunder while he was under enormous pressure as the hosts came out guns blazing.

Zozi scored an own goal, leaving his goalkeeper Bongani Manavheli fuming.

Tigers tried to get back in the game with the experienced Phumlani Mhamha in the thick of things.

Whenever the visitors were threatening, Bees defenders stood their ground and protected their keeper, Khanya Mini well.

Bees doubled their lead at the stroke of half time when Siphosihle Ntule scored a scorcher from outside the box.

The skilful Siyabonga Booi played one of his best games for Bees and was instrumental when going forward. He also kept the fans entertained with his impressive skills.

Bees coach Chippa Njedu and his assistant, Moketi Tsotetsi, got their tactics right and fully deserved the win as they dominated from the first whistle.

Njedu immediately turned his attention on the July playoffs.

“I am delighted we won this last game, but we are not done yet.

“What we really need now is to win in the national playoffs.” He said that the tough competition they had experienced from Tigers throughout the season had been helpful to their campaign and had kept them on their toes.

Tigers coach Linda Mtebele said: “Congratulations to Bees for the good game they played here today.”