Indlovu FC will ply their trade in the SAB Regional League next season after winning the Midrand Local Football Association.
This comes after they beat Naesma Academy 2–0 while second-placed Risannah FC played to a goalless draw against Sentimental IKD FC on July 10.
With one game to spare, mathematically, Indlovu will be crowned champions and even if Risannah wins their last game, they will trail by a point.
However, before that, the Rabie Ridge stadium was packed to the rafters when Indlovu FC took on Risannah FC in the second-last game of the season.
The much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash left a lot to be desired as they played to a 2–2 draw on July 9.
Second-placed Risannah needed victory to dethrone log leaders Indlovu at the summit of the table. With two points separating the two teams, they were both cautious in the opening 15 minutes of the game.
Chances were few and far between the two sides. After 25 minutes, Mthokozisi Maseko gave lndlovu the lead with a stunning half-volley outside the box to beat Risannah’s keeper.
However, their joy did not last long when a lapse of concentration saw Risannah’s Doctor Khumalo pull back one for the equaliser.
It was a highly intense and tactical game for both teams as both coaches and both sets of players seemed to have stuck to the game plan.
Five minutes before the interval, the left-footed Maseko who was now operating on the right flank, cut inside and unleashed another scorcher to give Indlovu a 2–1 lead.
After half-time, Risannah took the game to log leaders in a bid to get an equaliser and were rewarded with two dangerous free-kicks on the edge of the 18-yard box.
They fluffed the first one but took the second spot-kick exceptionally well, which rolled under the goalkeeper’s arms, to hit the near post.
However, instead of showing quick reflexes to clear the danger, the Indlovu keeper hesitated and Yibanathi Tshotwana easily headed home an easy tap-in.
After the second equaliser, Risannah pressed for the winner but Indlovu’s defence remained resolute despite making a few nerve-wracking errors.
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