Midrand United defeats Hawks with William Phohu on the scoresheet

Midrand United FC made their debut in the Midrand Local Football Association (MLFA) League, where they managed to claim their first victory against Hawks FC.

A series of clumsy mistakes by Hawks at the back gave coach Morgan Moodley’s boys a comfortable three points from a 2-0 final score on October 29 at Halfway House Primary School.

“As we entered the new LFA, I was unsure of what to expect. However, I had a conversation with my players, emphasising the importance of winning our first league match,” said Moodley.

“Additionally, I had high expectations for the team’s performance since we had fantastic pre-season training and enough friendly matches to prepare them for the upcoming season.”

From the very beginning, United proved to be the better team, with Prince Matsa coming close to opening the scoring in the first few minutes of the game.

He latched onto Godsway ‘King’ Oppong’s grass-cutter through ball but unfortunately missed his shot at goal.

However, the home side was not discouraged and continued to press forward. Twenty minutes into the game, United claimed the lead when Hawks defender, Israel Thusi, failed to deal with a cross which he put into his net for an own goal.

United remained the dominant force throughout the game and almost doubled their lead when William Phohu’s one-two with King sent him racing towards the edge of the 18-yard box, only for his effort to go above the goal post.

Moodley was forced to make an early substitution as defender, Norman Nekuvule, suffered an early injury and was replaced by Morgan-Musa Kaka.

Hawks had not created any clear chances yet, but after United’s sub, they finally sparked into life when they received a corner which was dealt with well by United’s defence.

In the 42nd minute, United doubled their lead with a masterpiece set-piece from Phohu which saw Hawks keeper, Peaceful Khoza, failing to get a clean grip on the ball.

United remained dominant for the rest of the first half, and the second half saw Hawks starting with a substitution of Kagiso Serumula for Lucky Phelembe.

Hawks looked to respond after the break and Selelo Rapola did well to get to the byline, but United’s shot-stopper, Sinamile Ndwandwe, saved the shot.

Hawks’ impressive Prince Masehla had been the most threatening player from the visitors all game, and he was inches away from pulling one back for his side in the 78th minute as his free-kick from the edge of the box was headed off-line by United’s Romeo Dube.

The visitors continued to probe, but they never came close to threatening a comeback as United saw out the game comfortably to record their first win in MLFA.

Overall, Moodley said his boys had an impressive game, displaying a strong performance in both attack and defence and fully deserved their victory over Hawks.

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