On Saturday (July 2), Malawi FC faced Uloom FC at the Fernwood Sports Grounds.
Malawi has yet to lose a game in the Newcastle Social Soccer League, according to Mervyn Maharaj. However, he did state that Uloom had been blowing hot and cold and was a highly unpredictable team.
Although Malawi dominated the game, Uloom’s goalkeeper was said to be in top form.
Malema spotted the Malawi goalkeeper off his line and struck a powerful shot from around the halfway line, to catch the goalie off-guard in the first half, giving Uloom the lead,” said Maharaj.
A few minutes later, Uloom was awarded a penalty for a handball foul, but was unable to double its lead.
Malawi equalized in the second half through Konan on a rebound, after Uloom’s goalkeeper failed to hold onto the ball. The game ended in a draw.”
The following day (July 3), Zim Stars faced Uloom. The latter took an early lead, leaving Zim Stars in a bad situation for the second time. Maharaj said that Uloom’s lead should have been doubled, but the strikers appeared to be out of form.
Zim Stars equalised in the second half. The team would score late in the second half to run off the winners 2-1.
The fierce rivalry between Spartans and Legends was reignited in the main game of the day. The loud and enticing supporters made the game difficult for the officials.”
Spartans was defeated 3-2 the last time these two teams met, through aggression by the new Legends team. This time around, Legends got an early goal from newcomer, Stanza.
With fans chanting loudly for the boys, Spartans gave Legends a scare with a quick counter-attack. However, Legends goalkeeper, Irfan Khan held firm to deny Lyle.
Legends’ second goal came when Smalls found space down the right wing and set up Stanza for an easy tap-in. Legends coach, Pranil Kunju then made three substitutions in the second half to seal the game.”
Legends excelled at interception and passing, while Spartans coach, Gary decided to bring in two strikers to add some fresh legs. This paid off right away, as Pro Abdul chipped over the advancing Legends goalkeeper to halve the deficit.
Spartans fans believed a point could be salvaged and called for the equaliser.
Dr Gregory Maistry, Legends’ midfield maestro, played a sublime defence-splitting pass that found substitute Bongani, who hammered in the third goal. That effectively silenced the Spartans faithful.”
This week will see a three-way cup tie, with matches taking place on July 10 as follows:
- 13:00 – Zim Stars versus Spartans
- 14:00 – Zim Stars versus Legends
- 15:00 – Spartans versus Legends
For more information, contact Maharaj on 081 388 2971
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