A single goal by their veteran defender, Witness Mudolodi, from the penalty spot was good enough to give United Artists a full compliment of points at the expense of Themba Sunrise Riders. The SAB League match was played at the Lufule grounds on Sunday.
The first 20 minutes of the game was a see-saw affair, with both sides creating some promising moves from the middle of the park. Although United Artists' players were out of touch at one stage, their diminutive midfielder, Ronewa Gidi, remained a live wire. He was everywhere, collecting the balls from behind and giving support to the strikers when it mattered most.
Sunrise Riders soon realised that it was not their day when Thulani Themeli missed a fortune in the 14th minute. Instead of taking his time and picking a spot, Themeli shot aimlessly from close range after receiving a beautiful pass from Aluwani Radzilani.
The goal which separated the boys from the men came in the 26th minute. A defender of Sunrise Riders, Michael Mulaudzi, handled the ball within his own penalty area. The referee, Mr Joseph Mammba, awarded the home side a penalty. Witness Mudolodi converted.
Sunrise Riders introduced Rudzani Mbave and Tshifhiwa Mudau for Fhatuwani Thomani and Dovhano Nemakonde respectively. That did not change the complexion of the game as Artists continued to control the proceedings. Artists replaced Robert Baloyi with Jeffrey Mungoni in a bid to solidify their striking force later in the game.