Things are going from bad to worse in the camp of Venda Football Club (VFC), with the team struggling to secure league victories this year. Maunavhathu’s last win came against Upington City, whom they narrowly beat 1–0 at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday, 24 January. Their latest setback was a 1–0 defeat to University of Pretoria FC at Absa Tuks Stadium last Saturday.
VFC were among the top four teams at the start of the season but have since slipped to 10th position with 26 points following a string of poor results. The head coach, Clinton Larsen, described the team’s form over the past five matches as a major concern. Speaking after last Saturday’s game against AmaTuks, Larsen said his players had done everything right but were let down by a lack of luck.
He singled out AmaTuks goalkeeper Veli Mothwa as the difference on the day, saying he denied VFC with a series of outstanding saves. According to Larsen, Maunavhathu could have been two goals ahead at half-time were it not for Mothwa’s acrobatic goalkeeping.
AmaTuks head coach Kwanele Kopo said the victory had revived his team’s hopes of promotion. He stressed that much could still change in the remaining fixtures and that his side is now firmly back in contention.
With nine matches left in the season, VFC trail the log leaders, Kruger United, by 14 points.
The home side took the lead through Prince Nxumalo. Despite conceding early, VFC continued to fight but were unable to find an equaliser.
VFC’s next fixture is against Cape Town City at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.