Birds spread their wings

PLETTENBERG BAY - The pride of the Eden Region, Oriented Birds, kept the flame of hope burning when they collected their first three points in only their second encounter in the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League.

The newly promoted side sank City Kings 3-2 in a tough fixture on Saturday afternoon, 18 November, at the Castle Portuguese Club in Cape Town. Their goals were scored by Khanyisani Radebe, Sibusiso Maziko and Siyanda Madlala. Twenty-three-year-old forward Sibusiso Maziko joined the Plett side after spending five years away from home with DSTV Premier Soccer League club Supersport United. Maziko's arrival in Plettenberg Bay will continue to add value to the Oriented Birds camp.

Starting at a very fast pace, the match saw home team City Kings netting their first goal only 15 minutes into the game. Oriented Birds tried to work their way back into the game with some good football in search of the equalising goal, but they had already missed their chances when they afforded City Kings their early lead. When the whistle blew for the end of the first half City Kings were still leading 1-0.

The Birds chased the victory in the second half, looking dangerous in possession, but City Kings netted their second goal to make it 2-0 after a strong attack stemming from the midfield. But, the Birds kept on pushing for their first goal and were rewarded with

a free kick which Khanyisani Radebe duly netted for the Birds to make it 2-1.

The home team were defending strong attacks from Oriented Birds, but the dam broke when Sibusiso Maziko scored the equalising goal after a great assist by Khanyisani Radebe. City Kings were fighting for the winning goal, but failed to stand up against the high-flying Birds. The visitors were attacking down the left wing and after the ball fell to the feet of Siyanda Madlala, he scored the winning goal for OB to make it 3-2.

No more goals were scored after Madlala netted the stunner for the Eden team. Oriented Birds registered their first win in the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League.

The Oriented Birds players before their ABC Motsepe League match last weekend in Cape Town. Front, from left: Siyanda Madlala, Siyabonga Mbatha, Chulumanco Nkohla, Lukhanyo Ndolomane and Amimo Hussein. Back: Mfundo Bophela, Khanyisani Radebe, Vuyani Mdali, Siphosethu Nyhunyha, Ayabulela Thafeni and Thabiso Minana.

Oriented Birds’ Khanyisani Radebe (left) who scored the important first goal for OB last weekend alongside Menzi Gwala.