Captain Philani Cele scores a goal during the National First Division match between Royal Eagles and Real Kings at Chatsworth Stadium. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
Real Kings’ route back to the football doldrums looks clear with each week and SuperSport TV National First Division specialist analyst, James Mayinga doesn’t see them coming back now, unless something drastic happens.
The Magic Boys remain rooted to the bottom after yet another defeat, this time to provincial neighbours Royal Eagles.
Captain Philani Cele scored the winner for Eagles.
“Their story is sad. They went from promotion challengers last season to strugglers this season… They sold good players. The departure of their goalkeeper Ricardo Goss also destabilised them. He had a preseason with them and left them just as the season started.
“The Papy Faty incident also took must have affected them more than we realise,” said Mayinga. Faty fainted during a Kings match with a heart condition.
Mayinga doesn’t believe that Kings can survive, saying they don’t have the type of players needed in such a battle.
“At this time you need warriors and they don’t have such players, they have youngsters who know how to play nice football. You need players who know how to grind results,” said Mayinga.
Other results
Ubuntu CT 2 (W. Isaacs x2) Maccabi 1 (C. Mbesuma)
Ubuntu leaped out of the relegation places with a win over Maccabi with Waseem Isaacs scoring a brace to give Vladislav Heric’s side an important win at home. Veteran Collins Mbesuma scored for Maccabi.
Stellenbosch 1 (I. Reyners) Witbank Spurs 1 (K. Zwane)
It was a big point for Siyavutha away after managing to hold log leaders Stellies to a 1-1 draw. This result will be a huge confidence booster for Shakes Mashaba’s side. Iqraam Reyners continued his scoring run for the home side while Khethukuthula Zwane earned Siyavutha the point with his goal.
TS Sporting 0 Uthongathi 0
Spoils were shared as none of the sides could convert their chances into goals but the cane Cutters will be the happier of the two sides as the point earned away will boost their charge for a promotion playoffs spot.
Cape Umoya 1 (G. Hammers) Jomo Cosmos 1 (S. Ledwaba)
Ezenkosi are now involved in the relegation quagmire and with news that their owner Jomo Sono could have all his assets attached to cover a R40-million tax bill, things could get worse for one of the country’s well liked sides. They however did well to earn appoint away at the Spirited Ones. Gavin Hammers opened the scoring but Seun Ledwab cancelled his effort.
Tshakhuma 1 (E. Manqele) University of Pretoria 0
Edward Manqele shot Thakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila back into contention for the playoffs places as his goal was enough to seal a win against AmaTuks.
Ajax CT 3 (M. Phohlongo; K. Johannes; T. Mekumela) TS Galaxy 1 (Z. Lephasa)
The Urban Warriors purred back to life and gave the Rockets a hard beating to ensure they remain within the chasing pack in the race for promotion. Masilakhe Phohlongo, Keagan Johannes and Thendo Mekumela scored for the former Premiership side while Zakhele Lephasa got one back for the visitors.
Richards Bay 1 (M. Gumede) Mbombela United 0
The Natal Rich Boys are now one of the contenders for the playoffs after Michael Gumede ensured they keep the full points with a win over fellow title chasers Mbombela United.
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