In their Safa Vhembe Masters Soccer League match at the Makhuvha Stadium on Sunday, Stamina Free Masters crushed Tsiamutsha Masters 3-1 to keep their title hopes alive.
Tsiamutsha committed suicide by playing aerial balls from behind instead of playing carpet football. The Stamina Free defenders, Given Mpfumba and Dovhani Mavhungu, used their height advantage to win all high balls.
Realizing that the Tsiamutsha keeper, Avhurengwi "Kubaki" Muthubi, was not on his game between the poles, the Stamina midfielders tried their luck with long drives from the middle of the park. Stamina were the first to draw blood. They were awarded a free kick in the 30-meter area in the 24th minute. Tsumbedzo "Zoo" Manamela beat the keeper with a half volley from the free kick.
Tsiamutsha came close to scoring in the 38th minute. Their overlapping midfielder, Azwinndini "Tiger" Mudau, forced his way through the defence of Stamina and dished out a square pass from the edge of the box. Given Mpfumba, the Stamina centre back, easily cleared the ball.
Stamina Free introduced two new faces two minutes into the last half. Ntsengeni Mutobvu and Bushy Mathoma were replaced with Jomo Matamela and Khathutshelo Kutama respectively.
Stamina were awarded another free kick in the 59th minute. Tsumbedzo "Zoo" Manamela scored from the free kick. Tsiamutsha replaced Matodzi Mulaudzi with David Mutshinya two minutes later.
Tsiamutsha did not lose hope, although Stamina scored the third goal in the 74th minute. Ntshengedzeni Masindi, who came on as a substitute, hooked in the ball after a scramble within the box. Tsiamutsha pulled one back nine minutes before the end of the game. Avhurengwi blasted in a rocket after a neat pass from Mulalo Netshimboni.