Sibongumusa Mpofu delivered a breathtaking deadball strike, while Tibatso Lepulana contributed a striking brace, leading Nkulisa Queens to a resounding 3–0 league victory over JBM Queens on August 3.
Last season, Nkulisa faced significant challenges that prevented them from participating in their promotion playoffs to the regional league.
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Lacking sponsors and reliable transportation, the team was unable to showcase its talent on a larger stage. However, with this new season underway, they are fully committed to defending their Midrand LFA Women’s League championship title while ambitiously striving to ascend to the top league next season.
The chairman and coach of Nkulisa, Lucky Dunn, emphasised the importance of teamwork within the squad. He has instilled a team-first mentality, pushing the players to approach each match with the mentality that it could be their last.
During their league clash with JBM at the Rabie Ridge Stadium, Nkulisa displayed dominance right from the outset, creating a flurry of chances. Dineo Mpaketsana had an early opportunity, seeing her shot brilliantly palmed away by JBM’s goalkeeper, Dimakatso Mamorobela.
Nkulisa’s Imange Menziwa also attempted to find the back of the net, but her effort went wide. Fifi Thaba similarly found her strike missing the target, indicating that while Nkulisa was controlling possession, they were struggling to convert their opportunities into goals.
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On the flip side, JBM looked somewhat disjointed, with their midfielder Belinda Mogano trying desperately to rejuvenate her side and bring more possession to her teammates, but Nkulisa’s players were quick to retrieve the ball, stifling any potential JBM buildup.
Mpaketsana found another chance to get Nkulisa on the board but unfortunately sent her effort wide yet again. Another chance came her way, but she could not navigate through a cluster of JBM defenders who were focused on closing down the attackers.
The breakthrough came for Nkulisa just after the 27-minute mark when Lepulana capitalised on a rebound, skillfully directing the ball through Mamorobela’s legs after a high press caused Mogano to lose possession carelessly in her half.
Just two minutes later, Lepulana nearly doubled her tally, again finding the back of the net from a similar position, but the referee intervened, dismissing the goal due to a foul committed by Nkulisa’s Lusanda Mhlanga on a JBM defender.
Just before the referee brought the first half to a close, Nkulisa earned a free kick on the edge of the box. Mpofu’s attempt rattled off the crossbar, narrowly denying them a second goal as the half-time whistle signaled a momentary reprieve for JBM.
The second half resumed with Nkulisa picking up exactly where they left off, exhibiting a commanding performance with each player contributing effectively.
Although JBM found themselves with limited possession, Mogano remained active and persistent, being the first to test Nkulisa’s keeper, Ziyanda Kunene with a tame shot that was comfortably saved.
As JBM pushed to increase their attacking options, they became vulnerable defensively. It was not long before they conceded another free kick from the edge of the box.
Mpofu stepped forward once again, displaying her prowess with a beautifully curled shot that rendered Mamorobela helpless, firmly putting Nkulisa in control with a two-goal lead.
Lepulana then completed her brace in the second half with a well-placed shot, following a low cross from Mpofu. Positioned on the left flank, Lepulana elegantly cut inside, settled the ball onto her right foot, and unleashed a curling strike that sealed her team’s lead to three points.
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