As predicted by coach Malvin Khumalo, Bluebird flew past their opponents in what he described as one of their most interesting matches in the Sasol Women’s Football League.
They collected maximum points from the game against Northwest University of the Vaal in a match played under floodlights on 1 October at the Altrek Sports Ground.
Out of form Zingawe Phakathi, who currently captains, played a brilliant game and scored the solitary goal of the game midway into the first half.
There was a good combination between players in the midfield as they advanced to the goal, and Zingawe happened to be inside the box at the time and was offered a pass – and she made no mistake, she slotted it into the back of the net.
“I had a pep talk with Zingawe over the weekend before the game, and we spoke frankly about her declining form and the fact that she was the captain of the team and that all the young and inexperienced players were looking up to her for inspiration.
“I could see from her performance that the pep talk worked wonders and that she took our one-on-one discussion very seriously,” said Khumalo.
“All my players, including the youngsters that I fielded in the absence of the regulars who are out on injury, showed character and blended well to play their best game in the league so far.”
The coach hopes the win will boost the confidence of the youngsters before their away game on Sunday, 5 October, against Janine van Wyk Ladies.
Janine van Wyk Ladies or JVW as they are popularly known, is a team owned by current Banyana Banyana captain, Janine van Wyk. She also plays in the team.
The match will be played in Bedfordview and the Birds coach, though conceding it will be a tough game as JVW will be out for revenge after sinking 1-0 in the first round, said he expected his charges to continue from where they left off in the midweek Vaal Ladies game.
“I am nevertheless optimistic of collecting maximum points from this game as well, despite a depleted squad,” he said.
Out of the game are goalie Asa Rabalao, who will be serving her last game of suspension, and Dineo Rauchuene and Linah Maphanga who are both nursing ankle injuries.
