In their Vhembe Masters Soccer League match at the Maniini grounds on Sunday, Stamina Free Masters showed Ha-Vhavha Masters no mercy when they crushed them 5-2.
Ha-Vhavha approached the game aggressively, with their midfielders distributing some telling passes to the goal poachers. Their effort did not pass without reward as they opened the score in the eighth minute. Their overlapping midfielder, Khathutshelo Masimbane, received a neat pass from Khumbudzo Malogwe and blasted in a rocket from close range.
The goal was a wake-up call to the strikers of Stamina Free. Shortly before half time, Tsumbedzo "Zoo" Manamela beat the keeper with a header to bring the half-time score to 1-1.
Stamina Free effected the first change to their starting 11 three minutes into the last half. They replaced Desmond Mathoma with Ikechuku Mechieobi. Mechieobi made his presence felt when he scored five minutes after his introduction. He finished off a loose ball, following a free kick that was taken by Jomo Matamela.
The goal was followed by a dramatic event soon afterwards. Mashudu Mathoma of Stamina and Mulimisi Lishivha of Ha-Vhavha were given their marching orders after turning the pitch into a boxing ring. Mathoma and Lishivha exchanged blows for several minutes until their team mates, together with the officials, intervened and separated them.
Ha-Vhavha scored the equalizer through Khathutshelo Masimbane in the 68th minute. He beat the keeper with a long-range half volley.
Stamina Free scored the third and fourth goals in quick succession via Andrew Banda and Godfrey Ramudzuli respectively. Stamina Free started to play their normal carpet football after scoring their fourth goal.
Their fifth and last goal came from Ikechuku Mechieobi. He received a beautiful pass from Zoo Manamela and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.