BNFC claim the elusive victory
It has been a long time coming for coach Jannie van den Berg’s Benoni Northerns Football Club’s (BNFC) first XI, but, finally, they have secured a winning result.
Since claiming the bragging rights in the Benoni Derby against local rivals Old Bens Football Club 1-0, on May 21, the team has lost two and drawn five matches in the ELFA Super League.
Injuries and other unforeseen circumstances could be blamed for the winless seven-game streak, but, as van den Berg pointed out, there were numerous occasions where they dominated and led matches and subsequently let it slip.
On Saturday, at Northern Areas, the team welcomed low-flying Boksburg Football Club to Benoni in a clash that the hosts were always expected to win.
They did just that with a 1-0 victory.
Again, the coach had to shuffle his starting line-up with three of the club’s u-17 players making the step up to the Super League.
Another surprise alteration to the starting formation was that of forward Brogan Shrimpton partnering Dean Steyn in the centre of defence.
The player, bound for Davenport University in the USA, proved his all-round ability and held firm against a large Boksburg striker, particularly in the air.
Explaining the move, van den Berg said, “I had to play one of my strongest players in an extremely important position, especially in the absence of captain Wade Marshall and a totally depleted squad, as I knew that he could cope with the task at hand.
“When the time was right we pushed him back into the attack and it paid off as he got us the winning goal in the second half.”
Van den Berg was pleased with the performance of all his players on Saturday, especially his young chargers who he said “showed solid work ethic and commitment”.
He also credited the Boksburg goalkeeper for making things tough for BNFC through numerous good saves.
“People will say that we should have easily beaten Boksburg, but it is a Super League game and you have to play well to get a win.”
They will be hoping the result is the start of many and will look to continue with winning ways against Corinthians away from home on Saturday, July 23.
• Meanwhile, the club’s Reserve XI enjoyed a 2-1 win over Boksburg on Saturday.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
