ALEXANDRA - Tempers run high at local matches in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association league.
Tigers coach Eric Paul barks instructions from the touchline in the match against DRA FC at the Alexandra Stadium. Photo: Sipho Siso
Emotions are now running high for teams in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association Promotional League as the league draws to an end with no outright winner in sight.
Alex Royal Tigers SC coach Eric Paul was livid when the referee award DRA what he considered a dubious penalty when his team was leading 1–0 in the first half of the match at the Alexandra Stadium.
Tigers coach Eric Paul barks instructions from the touchline in the match against DRA FC at the Alexandra Stadium. Photo: Sipho Siso
“I hate nonsense, especially when it comes from a yellow shirt,” yelled Paul from the touchline, referring to the referees who were wearing yellow shirts. “There is no penalty here, what are you guys doing to the future of these kids.”
Tigers had taken the early lead but that was cancelled by the penalty with DRA levelling the score. DRA missed numerous scoring opportunities and the main culprit was their striker Siboniso ‘Killer’ Sukazi.
The two teams went into the half time break at 1–1.
In the opening 10 minutes of the second half, Sukazi redeemed himself after the Tigers keeper fumbled the ball and the striker pounced to give his side the lead. It was a brace from his striking partner, Sanele Duma that
sealed a 4–2 victory for DRA after Tigers had pulled one back from the penalty spot.
“I missed a lot of chances but I am happy that my guys never gave up on me as they kept encouraging me to up my game,” said Sukazi.
Tigers coach Eric Paul barks instructions from the touchline in the match against DRA FC at the Alexandra Stadium. Photo: Sipho Siso
“I am equally delighted that I managed to redeem myself and scored the goal that gave us a 2–1 lead.”
Duma said he too was delighted by the win, especially taking into account that they started the game with nine men.
“Our 10th man arrived in the course of the first half but we still won the game with 10 men,” he enthused.