Rockers FC rose to the occasion and held United Artists to a goalless draw in their MMK Administrators League match at the Lufule grounds on Sunday.
The game managed to produce enough entertainment, despite the fact that no goal was seen. The game was characterized by dangerous tackles, but the referee, Mr Joseph Mammba, refused to see any of the culprits go unpunished.
Although Rockers were out of touch in the first 20 minutes of the game, their Rastafarian midfielder, Mukondi Tshivhula, remained a live wire. Tshivhula was everywhere, collecting balls from behind while playing midfielder-cum-striker at the same time.
Tshivhula was the first player to go into the referee's book. He obstructed Mashudu Siobo in the 14th minute and the referee took no time to flash yellow. Siobo was also warned with a card moments thereafter. He tackled Unarine Kudzingana from behind and he was lucky to escape with yellow. Rockers were the first to effect change to their starting lineup. They introduced Takalani Ramaphosa and sacrificed Anza Khaukanani.
United Artists realized that it was not their day when their demon midfielder, Mashudu Siobo, missed a fortune in the 54th minute. He flicked the ball away for a goal kick within the box with the keeper already beaten. United Artists replaced their veteran defender, Maduvhahafani Mudologi, with a midfielder, Vuwani Masakona.
Masakona formed a deadly combination with Mashudu Siobo in the middle of the park, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of Rockers. Ronewa Gidi of Artists and Andani Ndou of Rockers were also booked for dangerous tackles within the last 15 minutes of the game. The Artists' playmaker, Thomas "Razor" Makhubele, could not live up to the fans' expectations as he was tightly marked.