Tshakhuma Na Ndilani (TNN) are still battling to come to terms with what happened to them last Sunday. They were booted out of the Nedbank Cup 0-2 by Tau Tau FC from the Capricorn Region.
TNN beat Jane Furse Highlanders from Sekhukhune Region 3-1 in the semifinal earlier that day. Their game against Tau Tau was equally contested, but TNN squandered more scoring opportunities.
Realizing that their left flank was not as sharp as they needed him to be, TNN replaced their diminutive striker, Junior Mashavhathakha, with Desmond Netshiungani 14 minutes into the game. Godfrey Mudau, who scored a brace in their semifinal game against Highlanders, could not live up to the fans' expectations and the defence gave him no breathing space.
The visitors took the lead in the 24th minute. Their overlapping midfielder, William Mokwalakwala, forced his way through the defence of TNN and beat the keeper with a ground cutter. TNN effected another change to their starting line-up before the end of the first half. They introduced Rolivhuwa Mukwevho at the expense of Rendani Mukomafhedzi in the 39th minute.
Tau Tau approached the last stanza aggressively. Their centre forward, Frank Serubarube, was brought down within the box and the referee, Mr Eric Munyai, award a penalty against TNN. The keeper of TNN, Stanely Matamba, made his presence felt when he braved the shot and executed a brilliant save.
Tau Tau were awarded another penalty after the TNN keeper, Stanely Matamba, tackled Jan Moshishi illegally within the box. Matamba was warned with a card for his actions. Dominic Khuduwe converted from the white spot to make it 2-0. Jackson Mabena of Tau Tau was later given his marching orders, following a second bookable offence.
Tau Tau will play against the ABC Motsepe overall winner on a date and at a venue still to be announced to determine the team that will represent Limpopo Province in the national last-32 stage of the competition.