NFD Wrap: Rayners finds scoring touch again

The win ensured that Stellies keep their five points lead at the top of the NFD standings. For the Urban Warriors, the defeat put an end to their impressive winning streak which lasted for five games and saw them climb to the second spot on the log.

Steve Barker – whose side was a clean 11 points ahead at some point – will be happy that Rayners has found his scoring touch again after going two games without scoring in recent games.
Tashreeq Morris scored the consolation goal for the visitors.

Other results

Ubuntu CT 0 Uthongathi 0
The chances were few but either of the two could have stolen the full points had they used at least one of them. Ubuntu summed it up nicely on their Twitter page afterwards: “Just didn’t manage to get what we needed. Was tough and frustrating out there today though but it’s a point to add to our tally nonetheless.”

TS Sporting 2 (R. Nyundu; S. Mbatha ) Jomo Cosmos 1 (L. Kekana)
Ezenkosi handed out debuts to three players – Lethlogonolo Kekana; Carlo Gie and Stanley Umukoro – it was not to be one to remember for the trio as they ended on the losing side. It was a sixth straight defeat for Jomo Sono’s side. Roggert Nyundu opened the scoring early in the game and Sibongakonke Mbatha made it 2-0 just before half time. It was debutant Kekana who scored the solitary goal for Ezenkosi. Sporting parted ways, again, with Benson Mhlongo before this game.

Mbombela 3 (F. Badenhorst x2; L. Nguzana) Unuversity of Pretoria 0
Tingwenyama flexed their muscle and continued their winning streak, making easy meal of AmaTuks. The win ensured the Nelspruit based side remain second and keep the pressure on leaders Stellenbosch who are five points clear at the top. Swazi internation Felix Badernhorst opened the scoring with a long range shot. Lucky Nguzana made it 2-0 in the second half before Badernhorst completed his brace from the penalty spot.

Witbank Spurs 4 (P. Mubayiwa x 3; J. Sauls 1) Real Kings 1 (L. Mtshali)
It seems Shakes Mashaba has reignited the fire at Siyavutha as the team registred their second win with a 4-1 demolition of wand-less Magic Boys. Siyavutha have for the first time this season moved from the basement of the NFD standings and are now 14th but still one point above Ubuntu Cape Town who slipped to the bottom.
Patrick Mubayiwa was the hero of the day as he scored three goals while Joshua Sauls also added his own – all four scored in the first half. Lindokuhle Mtshali managed to get one back for the Magic Boys late in the first half but it didn’t unsettle Shakes’ boys.

Royal Eagles 1 (P. Cele) Richards Bay 1 (S. Mthethwa)
Royal Eagles stalled again as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home. They are now eight points behind the leaders Stellenbosch and fourth on the standings. They are however still in with a chance at promotion with 12 games remaining. Captain Philani Cele thought he had given Eagles the win when he scored from the penalty spot in the first half but Sandile Mthethwa ensured the Natal Rich Boys get to share the spoils when he equalised right at the death.

TS Galaxy 1 (L. Setelele) Tshakhuma 1
This was the result that led to coach Sello Chokoe’s firing by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzichandila who felt he could no longer fulfil his mandate of guiding the side to the Absa Premiership. Tshakhuma confirmed Chokoe’s release on their Twitter page. But at some point in the game, Chokoe looked to be heading for a win after taking the lead in the first half. It was however second half substitute Lucky Setelele who stole the thunder when grabbing the equaliser for the home side. It was not clear at the time on publishing who scored for Tshakhuma.

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