Hout Bay catches up with Birds
PLETTENBERG BAY - The Kwanokuthula based side, Oriented Birds Football Club, delivered a classic performance in a two-all draw against Hout Bay United in an exciting Western Cape ABC Motsepe league fixture on Saturday afternoon, 2 March at Kwanokuthula Stadium in Plettenberg Bay.
With eight points, Oriented Birds are in seventh position on the log and fighting their way up into the top five. They have played eight fixtures with two victories, two draws and four defeats.
The Hout Bay United players are battling for a position in the top three.
Norris Pierce and Mthokozisi Ndimande netted the two goals for the visiting team, while Bandile Ntukantu and Lakhiwe Menze scored the two goals for Oriented Birds. The Plett side scored their two goals in the second half to register their first draw in their own backyard.
First half
The encounter got off to a good start with both teams trying hard to get the first goal. Hout Bay United launched a strong attack from the centre of the field using their experience on the ball, but their ball was cleared away by Oriented Birds' centre back. The hard working Khanyisani Radebe of Oriented Birds delivered a long range shot inside the box from their set piece, but Mfundo Bophela's ball was saved by Baderoen Mogamat, Hout Bay United goalkeeper. Mogamat forced a corner kick for the Birds, but again it was swept away by a Hout Bay United defender.
The visiting team kept pushing for the first goal of the game throwing their balls in dangerous areas forcing Oriented Birds' back line to panic.
Norris Pierce of Hout Bay then netted the first goal of the game beating Siphosethu Nyhunyha, Oriented Birds' goalkeeper and the first 45 minutes ended 1-0.
Second half
In the second half Bandile Ntukantu scored the equalising goal to make it 1-1 after his powerful strike evaded Mogamat. Menzi Gwala of Oriented Birds looked very dangerous on the ball. Lakhiwe "Nobhowu" Menze converted the second goal to make it 2-1 after a powerful shot.
The home team gained more confidence during the last minutes of the game with great touches on the ball, but Hout Bay managed to level the score. Although it wasn't easy to break through the Birds' defence, a late second half opportunity gave Mthokozisi Ndimande of Hout Bay a chance to score.
A star is born
Wonder child Lakhiwe Menze (17), fondly known as Nobhowu, won many hearts during his debut game against Hout Bay United. The sensational star raised his hand and scored a vital goal for Oriented Birds. Menze, a grade 10 learner from Murray High School, told Knysna Plett Herald that it feels good to be the part of a team in the Western Cape ABC Motsepe league. He dreams to make it big in football and want to support his family after finishing his studies.
Weekend results
Ikapa Sporting 3-2 Junction Rovers Oriented Birds 2-2 Hout Bay United City Kings 0-2 Grassy Park United Batalions 0-2 Maties Santos 3-0 Royal Blues Young Bafana 2-1 Ukhanya United Hanover Park 2-2 Ubuntu Zizwe United 4-2 Antalyaspor Cape Town JPM