Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) kept their title hopes alive by beating University of Pretoria 2-1 in their NFD League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
TTM approached the game aggressively, with their midfielders, David Mathebula and Alton Kapinga, distributing dangerous passes to the strikers.
TTM needed only three minutes to stamp their authority on the game. Their right winger, Themba Ndlovu, beat two defenders in a row and unleashed a ground cutter within the box. The ball hit the keeper for a rebound. Aluwani "Killer" Nedzamba, who was waiting inside the box, finished off the loose ball.
The coach of TTM, Augustine Chokoe, was forced to effect an early change to his starting line-up. Their left back, Teboho Kalake, was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after sustaining injury. He was replaced with Jonathan Stoffels.
TTM were still one goal up when the teams adjourned for half time. The home side strengthened their midfield by introducing Nuzhard Pail and sacrificing David Mathebula early in the last half.
Davies Nkausu and Grant Buchhausen, both of Amatuks, were booked for obstruction and a late tackle respectively.
TTM increased the margin in the 68th minute. Matlatse Mhlabane headed home after a corner kick from Frank Motebejane. Shortly thereafter, Claudio de Almeida of Amatuks was reprimanded with a card for a dangerous tackle.
The visitors from Pretoria pulled one back in the 78th minute. They were awarded a penalty after Zithulele Mhlonto was brought down within the box. Henrico Botes made no mistake from the white spot.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute when De Almeida was given his marching orders, following a second bookable offence. He obstructed Themba Ndlovu in the 25-meter area.