Liver Brothers put up a brave fight against Sekhukhune United
The Bushbuckridge team's hopes of making the last 16 were cut short by lethal Sekhukhune United.
Despite suffering a crushing 6-0 loss to Sekhukhune United, a DStv Premiership team, Mpumalanga’s fourth-tier Liver Brothers FC learnt a valuable lesson.
They will use this experience to turn their focus on their regional football campaign.
Liver Brothers locked horns with Babina Noko in the Peter Mokaba Stadium last Wednesday in the Nedbank Cup last 32 round.
Liver Brothers FC, hailing from Bushbuckridge, ply their trade on the dusty ground of Kildare Village, campaigning in the Men’s Regional Safa Ehlanzeni League.
They faced their toughest opponents yet and fought relentlessly, but it was not good enough to stop Brendon Truter’s charges from winning.
Sekhukhune United made it clear during a prematch press conference that they would not underestimate their opponents because they play lower league.
Liver Brothers FC gave it their best and progressed through 10 qualifying games to earn a spot in the Nedbank Cup.
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By making it to the Nedbank Cup last 32, they gave their Bushbuckridge fans hope.
It was a resounding win for Babina Noko. They pushed the tempo on the pitch and looked for a way to infiltrate Liver Brothers’ defence.
Rodrick Kabwe found the back of the net as early as the 13th minute of play.
Sekhukhune kept up the pressure. Daniel Cardoso was on hand to head in Babina Noko’s second goal of the game, from a corner kick in the 36th minute.
United led 2-0 at half time.
Sekhukhune United started the second half as they finished the first. Liver’s Jabu Ndlovu defended well, but it didn’t take long for Sekhukhune to be awarded a penalty.
Chibuike Ohizu beat Excellent Mkhonto for the Limpopo’s outfit third goal.
Liver Brothers were under constant pressure during the last 20 minutes and failed to keep up with Sekhukhune United’s fast pace.
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Babina Noko persevered and eventually scored their fourth goal of the game through Vusimuzi Mncube in the 80th minute. Five minutes later he bagged his brace, adding goal number five for his side.
Taashriq Morris added his name to the scoresheet before the final whistle.
Liver Brothers FC gained experience from this encounter and they will be focusing on winning the fourth tier league and making it to the third tier.
