Tambuti in last minute survival
Tambuti…….(2)2,
Wandile 7th, Lindelwa 34th Tinyosi………..(0)1.
Ndebele 65th.
BIGBEND – Sugar-belt side, Tambuti FC breathed a sigh of relief after surviving relegation on the very last day as they beat relegated Tinyosi FC 2-0 at Mayaluka Stadium yesterday.
Goals from Wandile Dlamini and Lindelwa Mngometulu ensured that Tambuti extended their stay in the Premier League. The duo saved the day for Mlamuli ‘Sputla’ Zwane’s led charges with a strike each inside the first 45 minutes of a feisty showdown in the Lubombo Region.
Kelvin Ndebele scored the consolation goal for Julius Chakupewa’s Tinyosi.
Coming into the last game of the season, Tambuti were not off the hook yet, as they depended on other teams dropping points in the relegation dogfight. Milling Hot Spurs failed to beat Sea Birds in a 1-all draw to ensure Tambuti’s safety.
The hosts did not only reverse the first round 3-0 humiliation suffered at the hands of the same opponent, but ensured with it they survived the axe.
Tambuti played with intent from the onset, and it was no surprise when they broke the deadlock seven minutes in. It was the skillful Wandile who tapped in a pass from Mpendulo Ngidi, beating Tinyosi goalkeeper Andile Dlamini hands down.
Tinyosi almost levelled matters through the man of the match, Kelvin, but Tambuti’s goal-keeper, Mndeni Lukhele made a stunning save six minutes from the half-hour mark.
Tambuti’s defender, Machawe Khumalo, denied the visitors when he cleared the ball off the line from Thubelihle Mavuso’s ground shot
MAN OF THE MATCH:
after 30 minutes.
The home side’s Banele Shongwe then wasted a golden chance in the 32nd minute after he volleyed over the bar from close range.
Lindelwa sealed the win for the hosts after he peeled off one defender to fire a powerful shot past the opposition keeper. This was 11 minutes before half-time.
On resumption of play, the visitors threatened to shake off Tambuti’s lead. It was the marvelous and hardworking Ndebele who intercepted a Siboniso Motsa cross; volleyed the ball towards goal to beat the goalkeeper on his near post. The strike made it 2-1. Despite relentless attacks, Tambuti defenders made sure nothing went past them.
Referee Thembinkosi Dlamini blew the final whistle, with wild scenes of jubilation from Tambuti’s players and fans from the stands. Players ran in the direction of the team’s Director, Rudolf Matsenjwa, who was all smiles after his team achieved their dream of staying on top.