FROM being 1-0 up and cruising, Thanda Royal Zulu FC found themselves 1-2 down late in their NFD match against Black Leopards at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Saturday.
But they refused to be denied and, showing a fighting spirit seldom seen this season, snatched one back for a 2-2 draw.
In fact, had in not been for the old weakness of not being able to bury their numerous chances, they might have bagged a couple more before the final whistle.
The game began with a silent pause for number one fan Nkosinathi Celement Dlakadla, who sadly passed away on Wednesday.
There was a further point of focus for fans with the absence in the dugout of head coach Maj David Bright, who presumably had been given his marching orders after a parade of below par Amabhubesi performances.
The players responded well to stand-in coach Ayanda Mvalo, whose energy on the touchline matched those of the players.
Playing into a stiff breeze, Thanda had the better of a goalless first half, steadily gaining ascendancy.
Best chance went to Sakhile Kubheka, who shot over the top from a corner.
Twice Misho Mitebula overlapped brilliantly but crossed tamely when the troops in the middle were ready to open fire.
Meanwhile, a superb double save from Siyabonga Mbatha had kept the Thanda goal intact.
Fightback
Making the most of the favourable conditions in the second stanza, the home side somehow failed to find the net despite a number of gilt-edged chances. Nothing new there.
Boy Gumede headed twice over the crossbar and struck it once and on one occasion Thanda had a three on one advantage in the box but let it slip.
A goal had to come, and when it did it was skipper Christoph Komane who tapped in after great build-up play (1-0).
But the old failure to deal with a set piece saw Leopards grabbed one back, then another on the break with Thanda camped in the visitors’ last third (1-2).
Refusing to give up, the Amabhubesi pack piled on the pressure and Gumede pounced on one of many through balls to level matters at 2-2.
Thanda are away to FC Cape Town this Saturday before returning to Richards Bay on 27 February to take on Cape Town All Stars.
