United Stars disappointed by walkover thanks to Stamina’s no-show
United Stars president Sakhile Zulu says his players were heartbroken as they had prepared well for the game and looked forward to a good run.
United Stars FC had a walk in the park after they were gifted three points on a silver platter without even kicking the ball during their game against Stamina Football Academy in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association Promotional League on February 10.
The River Park-based Stars, the only unbeaten outfit in the 16-team league, were awarded all three points on a scoreline of 2-0 when their competitors – Stamina – failed to pitch up for the game that was scheduled to take place at the Totalsports Alex Safehub at 15:00.
Stars still command the top spot from day one of the show and have set an unprecedented record of 10 matches of an unbeaten streak as the teams in the league brace themselves for the second round with only five games to go, winning eight and drawing two to amass 26 points.
The side is now five points clear of its nearest rival LRC FC, which now tails them with the same number of games played but won six, drawn three, and lost one, with its third draw coming from a goalless match against Amaskills FC at the Altrek Sports Facility on February 11.
LRC FC, Stars’ rival for promotion to the Hollywood bets Johannesburg Men’s Regional League, huffed and puffed against the ‘skillful’ team with both sides missing numerous scoring opportunities.
The only consolation for LRC in the top five is that the fourth-placed Laz FC was beaten 4-3 by the formerly fifth-spot Gauteng FC and has swapped positions with Amaskills FC to occupy the fourth spot with 21 points.
Stars president Sakhile Zulu, who had described Stamina as his side’s hoodoo team before the game, said over the years it has never been easy for his boys to beat them even though they are currently underperforming.
“Our preparations had been more focused on defending well and not conceding but also on being clinical in front of goals because this is where we tend to lose it as we create many chances but fail to make good use of them,” Zulu said.
Zulu said his players were heartbroken as they had prepared well for the game and looked forward to a good run. “A walkover is always a disappointment for players. I watched them in training, and they looked very sharp. I am sure we would have had an interesting game.”
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