Barberton City Stars bounced back from their 7-1 drubbing by Acornbush United a fortnight ago to register an emphatic 7-1 win over FC Benfica in an Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League encounter at Barberton High School over the weekend.
Coach Eric Mabaso of Stars demanded a response from his players following their heavy defeat to United at Ingwenyama Conference & Sports Resort and his players responded positively.
“My game against United was my first in charge of Stars. I didn’t have enough time to prepare my players.But ever since that game, I have identified the players’ strengths and they are responding to my philosophy,” said Mabaso after their win over Benfica on Saturday.
He said he was a little disappointed by his charges in the first half but after an interval team talk, they were able to deliver a much better performance.
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Mabaso was in charge of Stars last season but he left the Barberton-based side in the middle of the season to join Limpopo ABC Motsepe League campaigning side, Winners Park.
It was after he had left Stars that they found themselves relegated to the SAB Regional League.
They, however, bought their way back by purchasing the franchise of Justitia United and renamed it Barberton City Stars.
With Mabaso back, Ingucungucu looks like a side to compete this season.
Saturday’s clash saw Stars get off to the best possible start when Sanele Mkhize put them in the lead. But the visitors equalised just before the interval through Linda Mhlongo.
But the Mabaso-led side proved too strong in the second half, scoring six times to seal the victory 7-1.
Read More:Stars suffer a heavy defeat
Mkhize scored a hat-trick while both Sicelo Masilela and Mfundo Kubheka scored a brace each. The win put United in position eight with 11-points after eight games.
Ingucungucu will be looking for back-to-back wins this Saturday when they visit Phiva Young Stars.
The match will take place at KaBokweni Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:00. Meanwhile, Acornbush United opened a five-point gap at the top of the Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League when they beat fellow title contenders, TS Galaxy 2-1 in a match that wasat Vaalbank Artificial Turf Stadium over the weekend.
United now top the standings with 22-points after eight games followed by Galaxy on 17 points after the same number of games.
Full weekend results
Phiva Young Stars FC 1-2 Mapulaneng United; Barberton City Stars FC 7-1 FC Benfica; Mlambo Royal Cubs 1-1 Witbank Citylads; TS Galaxy 1-2 Acornbush United; Forek Academy 3-2 Mphakathi Academy; Premier United 2-3 Zone Mavo; Lumoja 1-2 Mhluzi Black Rangers.
Weekend fixtures
Mapulaneng United vs Mhluzi Black Rangers (Thulamahashe New Stadium – 13:00); FC Zone Mavo vs Lumoja (Secunda Stadium); Mphakathi Academy vs Premier United (Eastdene Sports Ground); Secunda Stars vs Forek Academy (Embalenhle Stadium) Acornbush United vs Tjakastaad Junior Sheppards (Kabokweni Stadium); Witbank Citylads vs TS Galaxy FC (Lynville Stadium); FC Benfica vs Mlambo Royal Cubs (Thulamahashe New Stadium -15:00).
