Arnold Dube scored a brace to lift nine-man Prestige Football Academy into third position of the Johannesburg Men’s Regional League table with a 3–1 victory over Midrand-based Makang Supers FC on April 9.
Prestige, as the visiting side to Rabie Ridge Stadium, were eager for the win to climb into the top three. Dube opened the scoring in the first half following a defence-splitting pass from Mfumo Khosa to set him up for a one-on-one with Makang keeper Siyabonga Jiyane.
As the match unfolded, Makang created chances of their own with Tshepo Mphateng forcing a sharp save from Prestige keeper Tshepo Taolo in the last attack of the first half.
In spite of Nhlanhla Ndumandi, who was one of Makang’s key players, being substituted off due to injury, the home side managed to pull one back from a set piece through Morongwa Masekela’s grass cutter.
Makang relaxed after scoring the equaliser and Khosa snuck past Makang’s defence with speed before laying on a sitter for Asniza Lekana to give the visitors a 2–1 lead.
In a clumsy error from Makang defenders Tebogo Thepa and Nyiko Mhlongo, they gifted the ball to Dube who found the corner of the net to make it 3–1.
Despite their two-goal deficit, Makanga had 30 minutes left for a comeback and their coach Frans Mokoka made a number of substitutions to try and rejuvenate his attack.
Makang’s comeback hopes were raised when Lekana was later given a red card for, according to referee Abel Maphutha, ‘using bad language.’
Next to go was Dube who received a second yellow after being cautioned in the first half, both for reckless tackling.
Despite having a two-man advantage, Makang failed to score again as Prestige’s defence tightened up.
With 36 points, Prestige host Brixton Atletico in their next league match on April 16 at Cecil Payne Stadium.
It will be a Midrand derby for Makang FC on April 16 as they take on Tsamaya Boys FC at Rabie Ridge Stadium.
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