City’s prodigal son adds life to dull affair

IT was possibly expected that after their pulsating Nedbank Cup last 16 tie over the weekend that stretched into extra-time that yesterday’s DStv Premiership encounter was going to be a bit of a drab affair.

And that’s what transpired at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London with Chippa United and Cape Town City playing out a goalless match.

Arguably the most exciting prospect in the game was the return of City’s prodigal son Aubrey Ngoma to Premiership action. Ngoma, who returned to his beloved Citizens on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of the season, was handed his first start since reaching full fitness.

The City No 10 was full of running during the first half. He showed that he had not lost his touch as he weaved his way into the Chippa penalty area early on. The vision to put other players into space was still there as he threaded a pass through an eyelet to send Thabo Nodada through on goal, but the

City captain failed to round Chippa goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali.

Ngoma was trying his best to impress City coach Jan Olde Riekerink and almost had the Dutch mentor up off his seat in the dugout when he shot powerfully with his left foot, but unfortunately for the visitors the ball flew over the crossbar.

Although he was replaced on the hour by Surprise Ralani, Ngoma had easily produced the most entertainment in a rather dour clash.

In another Premiership clash at Durban’s Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium last night, Golden Arrows proved not to be immune to the aftermath hoodoo that comes with winning the monthly and quarterly awards. They dropped points for a second match in a row after drawing 0-0 with Baroka FC.

A fortnight ago, Arrows were crowned the champions of the Q2 Innovation, becoming the first KwaZulu-Natal team to win the award. But they’ve been far from their best since, losing at home to strugglers Black Leopards and registering a goalless result against Bakgaga.

Arrows remained fifth on the standings with 29 points, one behind fourth-placed Swallows FC. Baroka, who were coming from a huge win over neighbours Leopards, are ninth with 21 points, two ahead of 10th-placed Kaizer Chiefs.

The second half didn’t create any talking points in Clermont.

But Baroka were the first team on target – Joslin Kamatuka unleashed a close-range set piece that cut through Arrows’ wall before the ball was parried away for a corner kick by Sifiso Mlungwana.