IT’S a familiar, sad, repetitive story for fans of the Amabhubesi.
After watching their team camp in opposition territory and spurn a dozen chances, they sit with bated breath, fearing the worst, as the clock counts down to the final whistle.
Saturday was no exception as the home side gave NFD promotion-chasing Mbombela United a football lesson, especially in the 10 versus 10 second stanza at the uMhlathuze Stadium after a double yellow first half card for each side.
Taking the visiting defence apart, they hit the woodwork, headed over it, shot past it, landed on the roof of the net, and gratefully gave goalkeeper Thuyo Xaba gift saves like it was Christmas.
They did everything except score, most criminally when man of the match Nkosingiphile Ncobeni’s slide rule pass was put over the bar by Mazwi Mncube from a couple of metres out.
And then the inevitable.
In the last minute of normal time, a superb long range strike by Tshidiso Patjie left Siyabonga Mbatha grasping at fresh air in the Thanda goalmouth.
After the game, an embarrassed Mbombela outfit knew they had been outclassed and had got out of jail free with three points to add to their PSL aspirations, which they will gladly take back home on the bus.
As for Thanda, playing the best football but not getting the right result is, literally, pointless.
Watch the NFD highlights package on TV this week, and weep along with the despairing supporters who were at the game.
