As if they had won a cup final match, it was all joy in the camp of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) after beating log leaders Stellenbosch FC 1-0 in their National First Division League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
It was clear from the onset that TTM had one thing in mind, viz. to collect nothing less than the maximum points in the match. Their combination of Aluwani "Killer" Nedzamba, Lifa Hlongwane and Mpambaniso Monde at the forefront kept the visitors' defence running for cover for the better part of the game.
Mogamad de Goede of Stellenbosch was booked for dangerous play nine minutes into the game. He tackled Mpambaniso Monde from behind just outside the box.
TTM threatened to knock on the visitors' door for the first time in the 19th minute. Lifa Hlongwane, however, shot wide from close range with the Stellenbosch keeper, Washington Arubi, already beaten. The goal that clinched the match for TTM came three minutes before half time. Aluwani "Killer" Nedzamba headed home after a square pass from Alton Kapinga.
TTM lost their original shape in the middle of the park in the opening minutes of the second half. That prompted the team's head coach, Mr Malose Chokoe, to replace their weary midfielder, David Mathebula, with Khunadi Nkoana in the 57th minute. The team from the Mother City effected three changes to their starting 11 within a short space of time.
TTM nearly committed suicide by playing defensive football in the last 25 minutes of the game. At that stage, Stellenbosch were all over them, forcing their keeper, Bongani Manavhela, to perform unnecessary overtime work. The local team later replaced Mpambaniso Monde and Teboho Kalake with Takalani Ratshilima and Lesvin Stoffels respectively.
What could have been the TTM's second goal turned to nothing when Alton Kapinga hesitated for too long to unleash, until he lost possession within the box.