In their Thulamela Local Football Association League match at the Muraga grounds on Saturday, the hosts, Muraga Hazard Hotspurs, beat Tshamutavha Watersand 1-0.
Watersand enjoyed more ball possession in the first 20 minutes, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of Hotspurs. They missed two clear chances within the first 10 minutes. Firstly, their right winger, Rotshidzwa Mathada, shot aimlessly from close range after receiving a neat pass from his younger brother, Pfano.
Hotspurs squandered two scoring opportunities in the last 15 minutes of the first half. Khuliso Mugadi had his chance in the 34th minute, following a great pass from Vutomi Baloyi. Mugadi tried his luck from just outside the box, only to see his ground cutter go wide. The keeper of Watersand, Tinyiko Mabasa, made his presence felt in the 39th minute. He stretched to the limit to execute a brilliant save, following Thomas Maluleka's close-range attempt.
No goal was scored in the first half. Emmanuel Mashamba, the Watersand central defender, was reprimanded with a card for dangerous play in the 59th minute.
The goal that earned Hotspurs three significant points came in the 74th minute from a corner kick. Rotshidzwa Munyai's screw volley hit the back of the net from the corner kick spot without any further touch.
The visitors from Tshamutavha took the game to the home side in the remaining part of the game, but it was not their day.