In their SAB League promotional playoff match, which was played at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday, Joe's Express and Seven United Brothers shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw.
The match was played under protest. Seven United Brothers lodged a protest with the referee shortly before the game kicked off. In their protest letter, Seven United Brothers alleged that one of the players for Express, Dakalo Ratshitanga, was not properly registered with the team.
Express's fast forward, Rudolph Nevhulamba, could not live up to his reputation as he was tightly marked. Realizing that Nevhulamba was well contained, his technical staff instructed their midfielders to move forward with the ball and ultimately added to the number of strikers. That proved to be a clever move on their part as the opponents spent the better part of the first half playing with their backs against the wall.
The referee, Mr Mashudu Sathuma, warned Thabelo Nemakanga of United Brothers with a card in the 34th minute. His error was a late tackle on Awelani Ravuku. Mutshidzi Babalo of Express was also booked for a dangerous tackle in the first half.
Seven United Brothers were the first to introduce new faces to their starting lineup. They replaced Cliff Tshikovhi and Dakalo Sikhau with Rofunwa Silima and Anzani Murigwathoho respectively. Vhusthilo Netshivhazwaulu put Brothers in the lead in the 67th minute. He finished off a square pass from Livhuwani Molapisane.
Express introduced Mukhethwa Mundalamo for Awelani Ravuku in a bid to strengthen their midfield. Their equalizing goal came via Rudolph Nevhulamba six minutes before the referee blew the final whistle.