Malandela’s emphatic win in Alex derby ensures continued dominance over Black Poison
After bagging both the Alex derby and bragging right of the Johannesburg Men's Regional League, Malandela now sets its eyes on being a title contender
![Poison's Qetello Pico stands in the way](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/siso11MalandelaBlac_61776-e1678699486424-752x470.jpg)
Malandela Mighty Heroes continued its dominance over Black Poison in the Johannesburg Men’s Regional League with an emphatic 4–1 win in the Alex derby played at the Totalsports Alex SafeHub on March 11.
Alex News was initially sent on a wild goose chase as the game was initially scheduled for the Alexandra Stadium and upon arrival, the sports reporter bumped into the secretary general of the LFA who told him that the match was at the SafeHub.
![Malandela's Kabelo Mabonda watches closely](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/siso11MalandelaBlac_98456-e1678699526329.jpg)
As a result, the reporter arrived 15 minutes late when the scoreline was 1–1 with goals from Malandela’s Sibonelo ‘Ozil’ Mkhabela and Poison’s Fezile ‘Velaphi’ Mabuza.
A fluid and purposeful Malandela got their second goal from the boot of the enterprising Ashley Simons who was also guilty of a few missed opportunities. However, he didn’t miss this one after dribbling past a maze of defenders to unleash a powerful shot that gave the Poison keeper no chance.
Two more goals to Malandela were added by Luyolo ‘Laliga’ Mzalamba and Tshepang Mamabolo to seal victory for the team that played as the away side.
![Malandela's number 5 is steadfast](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/siso11MalandelaBlac_93526-e1678699566572.jpg)
Poison too missed chances but they never gelled enough to keep possession and bother their opponent’s defence.
Malandela’s stand-in coach Modise Tali said his team was 12 points behind log leaders Opopo with about 20 games still to play but Malandala had a game in hand over Opopo.
![Poison's Qetello Pico chases Malandela forward](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/siso11MalandelaBlac_49524-e1678699608333.jpg)
“I am happy the boys showed character and purpose on the pitch and were more fluid than in previous games and if we can keep this momentum in other games to come, I am sure we can potentially become title contenders,” he said,
Poison coach Eric Paul was disappointed with the outcome but said his boys would soldier on and maybe end up in the top eight.
![Malandela's Kabelo Mabonda defends](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/03/siso11MalandelaBlac_99709-e1678699657398.jpg)
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