The Mpumalanga derby between the two teams was played on Sunday, January 19 and ended without any team scoring, as they tried in a very hot condition. Spurs defender Mogau Tshehla tried to overlap and making intelligent runs on the side and his passes were all blocked. A long throw ball was also defended by Sivutsa defence. Sivutsa playmaker Siyanda Khumalo tried with a long shot, but it was well contained.
Spurs gained the upper hand as the game progressed and made inroads in Sivutsa’s danger zone. Sivutsa defended well, their back four were up to the challenge. In one of their attacks, Spurs’ place kick was blocked. Spurs forward Ralf Matema hit the post after dribbling a number of Sivutsa players. Sivutsa goalkeepers Noel Yibou make a save from a place kick again.
Sivutsa later found their footing and they also started to attack from the middle of the pack. An exchange of passes between Wiseman Maluleka and Matema nearly resulted in a Spurs goal. Cebo Meyiwa of Sivutsa nearly scored from a close range. Sivutsa keeper was injured when he collided with a Spurs player. Spurs defender Humphrey Khoza, failed to connect with a header from a Tshehla cross. Spurs defender Sibusiso Mbonani defended a cross.
In the second half, Sivutsa showed some urgency, but their built ups were all blocked. Spurs Peter Mubayiwa missed from a close range while captain Patrick Mubayiwa failed to ‘bend’ his free kick.
Both teams made several substitutes, but they failed to make any impact in the game.
Towards the end they were pushing players forward and they were rewarded when Sivutsa keeper made three saves from Spurs forwards. Also at the other end Spurs keeper Briace Msiza, was called to make a save and he was up to the challenge.
