Stars camp set their sights on the grand prize at North End
STAR of India Football Club’s longserving team manager, Ameer Wookay, is encouraging his players to believe that they can win the sixth edition 2018 East London Central Local Football Association Premier League championship trophy and create a fresh narrative for a Stars team that for so long has buckled under the weight of expectations, having last won a premier league title in 2009.
This after they recorded a 4-2 victory on Saturday against Millan which moved them three points clear of second placed Swaraj at the top of the logstandings as premier league week nine once again produced a weekend of high quality football and surprise results.
Sixteen-year-old man-of-thematch Khanya Mtati opened the scoring for the green and white champions-elect with a gem of a strike from outside the box.
New signing Anda Linose scored the second, Heinrich Fritz netted the third and substitute Asivile Tom bagged the fourth to condemn Millan to a third straight defeat.
Both Swaraj and DiRoma had to come from behind to snatch dramatic wins which kept alive their hopes of premier league glory, while Mossnelu Tanana earned Conquerors a shock smash and grab 1-0 win against Seagulls with an early first half strike.
DiRoma appeared dead and buried after Olwethu Seyisi and Momelezi Tanana had given Napoli a shock 2-0 lead. However, Antoraz Gamiet’s boys staged a remarkable comeback, capitalising on defensive calamities as the ever-reliable Angel Snyman reduced arrears, which was followed by an own goal levelling matters, before Mawetu Williams struck the winner midway into the second half.
DiRoma, however, held on to record a significant victory that moved them up into third place.
Despite missing a first half penalty Swaraj teenage talisman Jaid Kroutz struck twice to earn his side a come-from-behind 3-2 win against Atlantic Spurs. This after Eldridge Johannes and Savio September had given Spurs the lead.
Dillon Block pulled one back for Swaraj before Kroutz won it for the gold and black outfit, even though they had to play the match out with 10 men after one of their players was sent off in the first half.
Pride of India remained in contention for premier league honours after they were inspired by a superb performance from Kwanele Kangele, which included a brace in a 3-1 win over Brothers of Peace.
Defending premier league champions Riverside had to dig deep before earning a 1-1 draw against Parkside United. Jonathan Hendricks produced a masterful display for United in defence as his side took an early lead through Keanu Perrins. Birthday boy Cuan Benny, however, came to Riverside’s rescue with a superb volley to sneak a share of the spoils.
F C East London moved to the top of the John Korkie-sponsored first division log after they beat Alphen Warriors 3-0, and second-placed Saints stuttered to a 1-1 draw against Ngamla. In other first division results, K-Way thumped DiRoma United 7-2, Real Dukashe beat Central United 2-1 and Imonti Christian Centre annihilated Leeds United 4-1.