Stars suffer a heavy defeat

Acornbush United remain on top of the Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League when they convincingly beat Barberton City Stars 7-1 at Ingwenyama Conference & Sports Resort sports ground on Saturday afternoon.
The game was supposed to be hosted by Stars at Barberton High School but had to be forfeited to United at the last minute after they had failed to secure their home venue.
According to Israel Dhlamini, Stars chairman, they were informed in the eleventh hour that the venue was unavailable.
“We had no choice but to give the hosting of the game to United. As things stand, we don’t know where we will host our next game,” said Dhlamini.
He said the venue change in last minute had a negative impact on his players morale, hence the heavy defeat.
Of late, Ingucungucu, as Stars are affectionately known in football circles, have been battling to secure venues to host their home games in Barberton. Recently, they were denied to use Barberton Prison’s sports ground and they had to move to Barberton High School as an alternative venue.
With now being denied to use the school ground, they have nowhere to host their games as the Emjindini Stadium has been declared unsafe for use.
Meanwhile, former Stars striker, Mlungisi “Mlungu” Nkosi, who is on loan from Mbombela United, was the chief destroyer as he scored four goals against his former colleagues.
The other goals for United came courtesy of Sipho Mdlalose (2) and Lebogang Sithole (1). Stars’ consolation goal was scored by Ndumiso “Ben-10” Cebekhulu.
With the win, United remain on top of the league with 16-points after six games. They have scored a whopping 27 goals, only conceding five. Following in second place are Tim Sukazi’ TS Galaxy with the same number of points after six-games.
They, however, scored less goals than United.
This weekend there will be no league fixtures as four teams will be battling it out in the semi-finals and final of the Mpumalanga Nedbank Cup Safa level, which is scheduled to take place at the Lynville Stadium on Saturday.
The league will resume next week Wednesday when Stars will visit Witbank Citylads at the Lynville Stadium while Acornbush will host Mlambo Royal Cubs at KaBokweni Stadium.
Other weekend results
Phiva Young Stars 1-0 Witbank Citylads; Mlambo Royal Cubs 0-0 Secunda Stars; TS Galaxy 3-1 Mphakathi Academy; Tjakastaad Junior Sheppards 1-1 Zone Mavo; Forek
Academy 2-1 Mhluzi Black Rangers; Premier United 1-1 Lumoja.
Next week Wednesday’s fixtures
Mapulaneng United vs Lumoja FC (Thulamahashe New Stadium – 13:00); Benfica vs Phiva Young Stars (Thulamahashe New Stadium 15:00); Mhluzi Black Rangers vs Premier United (Themba Sinamela); Zone Mavo vs Forek Academy (Secunda Stadium); Mphakathi Academy vs Tjakastaad Junior Sheppards (Eastdene Sports Ground); Secunda Stars vs TS Galaxy (Embalenhle Stadium).