Relegated Cosmos fight to the end

ALTHOUGH NMMU Madibaz ended their Safa-NMB SAB League season with a 5-3 victory over tailenders Young Cosmos at their Second Avenue campus on Sunday, it was not one of their better performances.

“It was not our best day,” NMMU manager for sport Mark Tommy said.

“But in the end it is the points that count.

“Full marks, though, to Cosmos for putting up a gallant fight in their last match in the league.

“The boys will now have to focus on winning promotion to the ABC Motsepe League”.

Cosmos, who will be relegated to their local football association, deserved to go into the second half level at 3-3.

After the break Madibaz scored twice without reply to secure maximum points.

Yamkela Va and Farouk Abrahams scored two goals each for Madibaz with Bandile Skosana adding the fifth.

The students finish the season a record 21 points ahead of second placed Highland Spurs, but this could be reduced to 19 if Golden Aces beat Fairview Rovers in the only fixture remaining.

The match between Aces and Rovers was postponed after the teams arrived to find that the Zwide Stadium had been double-booked.

Rovers blew their chances of challenging for second place when they lost 1-0 to Despatch Pioneers.

Central Acemates secured a top eight spot when they thrashed Ikamva Movers 6-0.

It was a disappointing end to the season for Hearts, who lost 4-1 to Motherwell Academy after leading 1-0 at the break.

Hearts dominated the first half and deserved to be ahead with a goal from Okuhle Mshunpela.

In the second half, they were no match for Motherwell, who scored four goals without reply.

Despite beating Camper United 1-0, Showvillage United Brothers could find themselves back in their local football association.

Together with Royal Bucks, Island City and Young Cosmos, Brothers’ fate depends on how many metro teams are relegated from the two leagues above them and whether Madibaz win promotion to the ABC Motsepe League.

Results:

Showvillage United Brothers 1 Camper United 0, Ikamva Movers 0 Central Acemates 6, Motherwell Academy 4 Hearts 1, NMMU Madibaz 5 Young Cosmos 3, Despatch Pioneers 1 Fairview Rovers 0.