The SAFA Vhembe League local derby between Stream E leaders Makhitha Oscar Stars and contenders Madombidzha Try Again was not played to full time on Sunday at the Madombidzha grounds. With the score at 2–1 in Stars’ favour, the match was abandoned after Try Again’s players walked off the field.
Up to that point, the game had been evenly contested, although rivalry was evident from the start. Stars were solid at the back, but their midfielders hesitated too long, failing to release the ball to their goal poachers.
Try Again launched some promising attacks from the centre of the pitch but were denied several scoring opportunities by Stars’ resilient defence. The half-time score was 1–0 in favour of Try Again.
Early in the second half, Stars equalised through a penalty and then scored a second goal. Shortly afterwards, with 10 minutes remaining, the match was abandoned.
The stoppage followed an alleged incident in which a Try Again player was assaulted by a Stars official who had entered the field to celebrate the second goal. Referee Mr Khumbelo Rakhavha reported that after Stars’ second goal, he attempted to restart the match, but the Stars official kicked the ball away from the centre line and allegedly struck a Try Again player with his elbow. The Try Again players refused to continue, citing safety concerns.
SAFA Vhembe Secretary Mr Sam Matodzi said both teams would be summoned to a disciplinary hearing to face charges of direct match abandonment.