Joe Maweja started the new season on a high note when they beat Bilika All Stars 1-0 in their ABC Motsepe League match at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Saturday.
The score was not a true reflection of the game, as Maweja squandered a number of obvious scoring opportunities in the first half. Their centre forward, Walter Nechimbulu, disappointed in the eighth minute. He received a pre-cooked pass from Khumbudzo Muvhango just outside the box and hesitated for far too long to unleash, until he lost possession.
The visitors from Giyani gained momentum as the game progressed. In the 19th minute, they came close to scoring. Their lethal striker, Matimba Maswanganyi, received a good pass from Rito Tshuma in the 25-meter area. His volley hit the woodwork and landed outside the field of play for a goal kick.
Vhulondo Khaume, the Maweja left back, was reprimanded with a card for dangerous play on Themba Chauke in the 27th minute. The game turned lukewarm in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
Maweja approached the last half with their tails up. It took the 59 minutes to score the goal that earned them three significant league points. Walter Nechimbulu caught the Stars' keeper, Maweni Tembe, napping and beat him with a volley. The ball hit the crossbar and landed across the goal line.
Aubrey Ndou, the Maweja right back, found himself on the wrong side of the law in the 74th minute. He tackled Stephen Ngobeni from behind and the referee, Mr Avhasei Simba, was quick to flash yellow. Bilika played attacking football in the last 15 minutes of the game. At that stage, Maweja were defending with everything within their reach.