Local clubs Old Bens, Benoni Northerns get off to winning starts as football season kicks-off

The Eastern Local Football Association (ELFA) Super and Super Reserve leagues officially kicked-off on March 2 with local clubs Old Bens and Benoni Northerns football clubs’ sides opening their campaigns.

Old Bens hosted Zwide at their Currin Park home ground while Northerns travelled to Huntersfield Stadium in Katlehong to meet newly promoted side Musa United.

At Currin Park, the Super Reserve League sides got the action underway in a six-goal affair in Benoni, a match that ended in a 3-3 draw.

New Reserve team coach Harry Travers was left ruing some defensive errors from his team.

In the Super League clash Old Bens got off to the best possible start to their season with a 3-0 victory over Zwide.

First team coach Dave Clark was delighted with the quality of football his men played but was unimpressed that two goals were, in his opinion, incorrectly ruled offside.

“It could have been 5-0, so it was a bit disappointing from that point of view,” said Clark.

“At the end of the day though, we got the important three points.”

Bens’ goals were scored by Lesiba Modau, Kenny Lusuku and captain Daniel Dyson.

Meanwhile, Benoni Northerns’ Reserve XI were granted a 2-0 walkover win after their fixture could not be played due to scheduling conflicts by their visitors.

Their Super League side, however, did manage to get a game in, winning 1-0 against the league newcomers.

A goal from central midfielder Sanele ‘Jobe’ Bongakonke separated the two sides.

“We played fairly well considering that it was the first league match of the season,” said coach Jannie van den Berg.

“The condition of the field was not the best and was in a patchy state, but we got the goal that counted in the end.

“There is still a lot to do going forward.”

Both clubs will face-off in early season Benoni football derbies on March 9 at Currin Park.

“We are looking forward to the derby even though it’s quite early into the season.

“We are not quite sure what to expect from Old Bens,” said van den Berg.

“We will do what we need to do to get the win,” he added.

Clark said that it is not often that a derby is played so early into the season.

“I hope we get a good crowd down in support of both clubs.”

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