Thokoza Bees move up on the league table
The game was challenging for Kathorus 11 as they were going against the number one team in the league, but they had to give it their best.
Thokoza Bees removed guests Kathorus 11 FC from the number one spot on the Thokoza Local Football Association (TLFA) Super League log table as they won 3-2 during their weekend fixture.
The competitive game saw Bees, who were playing at home, take the lead in the first half when team captain Sanele Mkgonto scored a brace.
The home team continued to create opportunities to increase their lead, creating pressure from Kathorus 11, who made mistakes. The Bees were awarded a penalty when their striker was taken down in the 18-yard area.
Thula ‘Shaka’ Mpanza rattled the top bar from the penalty spot and followed through to finish from a rebound, but his efforts concluded with a goal kick.
Kathorus 11 also created goal-scoring opportunities as they broke down the opposition’s defensive line, but goalkeeper Senzo Mlaba was committed to keeping a clean sheet.
The match official blew his whistle to end the first half with the host leading with two goals and Kathorus 11 goalless.
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Kathorus 11 came back rejuvenated in the second half when Siphelele Nqoye scored the first goal for his side. Their 14-year-old goalkeeper, Khaya Khumalo, kept them in the competition when he saved the second penalty.
However, Bees did not take it laying down as they secured the three points when Mkgonto recorded a hat trick as he scored the third goal.
Kathorus 11 striker Ntsiki Khune scored the last goal of the match to make it two for his team.
Thokoza Bees coach Sipho Vilakazi said their opponents had good players in terms of attack but they were a little bit shaky at the back.
“Our strategy was to play an open game and press them in the first half, but we knew that they were going to catch us on counter-attacks. However, our keeper and defenders helped us.
“We had to compact a bit in the middle field then we managed the game because we led 2-0 for the entire first half, then we tried to manage the game to prevent them from scoring early.
“They scored us, but we know that we had to score the third goal because we were attacking with pace.”
He said the team will be sitting on eight points on the TLFA Super League.
“Overall, I feel like my boys still need more time. We are still new so we still need more time in terms of training because we are shaky. We still have a lot to do at the back so that we can become a strong team.”
Bees vice-captain Khanya Jozi said the game was challenging as they were going against the number one team in the league, but they had to give it their best.
“I feel very proud for the gents because they went all out. Our hard work in training sessions paid off, we need to improve our shooting and make sure that we capitalise on opportunities,” said Jozi.
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The founder of Kathorus 11 FC, Melanie Madinga, said the game was enjoyable more than anything.
“I think the competition was fair from the beginning. Nobody was dominating the game, the competition was at a fair level,” said Madinga.
“In the spirit of sportsmanship, losing is losing. There is not much I can improve because I know that I have a winning formula, but we will not always come out victorious,” she said.
She said the only disadvantage for her side was that the goalkeeper was very young as he is only 14 years old. “The senior keeper was unable to make it to the game,” she added.
Match facts
Yellow cards
Sipho Vilakazi (Thokoza Bees)
Nhlanhla Hadebe (Thokoza Bees)
Tebogo Lechabela (Kathorus 11 FC).
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