In their preliminary-stage match for the Nedbank Cup at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday, Joe Maweja taught Polokwane United a soccer lesson by crushing them 4-0 to secure a place in the group-stage final.
Maweja were unstoppable from the onset, with their midfielders, Takalani Ramagalela and Khumbudzo Muvhango, pumping in dangerous balls to the strikers.
Maweja's centre forward, Mashudu Mukhari, came close to scoring in the ninth minute. He received a neat pass from Takalani Ramagalela, but unleashed aimlessly from close range. The ball went far wide. A scramble within the United danger area in the 18th minute gave rise to the opening goal for Maweja. Takalani Mashila gave the ball the final touch.
The referee, Mr Jelly Chavani, warned Thanzi Muruge of Maweja with a card in the 27th minute. He tackled Malekana Noko from behind and Chavani was lenient enough to let him go with a yellow. Maweja increased the margin in the 34th minute. Mashudu Mukhari finished off Xinavona Chauke's square pass.
United looked hopeless after Maweja's second goal. As if they were the leading side, they started playing defensive football. That gave Maweja a good chance to invade their territory. Maweja scored their third goal six minutes before the half-time whistle. Mashudu Mukhari forced his way through the defence of United and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.
Meshack Shongoane of United was warned with a card for faking an injury. Maweja's fourth goal came via Takalani Mashila in the 74th minute. He scored with a header, following a brilliant pass from Takalani Ramagalela. Maweja played the last 15 minutes with 10 men. This after their dribbling wizard, Xinavona Chauke, was given his marching orders for dangerous play.