Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) proved beyond doubt that they are serious about promotion when they beat Ubuntu Cape Town 1-0 in their NFD League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
The home side took the game to the visitors from the mother city from the first whistle, giving their defenders no time to breathe. TTM's fast forward, Aluwani "Killer" Nedzamba, could not live up to the fans' expectations as the defenders were all over him for most of the match.
Although Nedzamba was tightly marked, the team's technical staff chose not to replace him, as he was a threat to the opposition. Ubuntu were forced to effect an early change to their starting line-up. Their overlapping left back, Ethen Sampson, sustained a knee injury in the 14th minute and was replaced with Thato Sefoli.
It took TTM 20 minutes to score the goal that earned them the three important league points. A clearing mistake by an Ubuntu defender gave birth to the TTM's all-important goal. Mpambaniso Monde intercepted a back-pass and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.
Franklin Cale, the Cape Town captain, was reprimanded with a card for a dangerous tackle on Nuzaid Pail in the 49th minute. Ubuntu came close to scoring in the 54th minute, but Cale shot wide from close range with TTM's keeper, Bongani Manavhela, already beaten.
TTM replaced Teboho Kalake with Tlotlo Leepile two minutes later. Taahir Ganga of Ubuntu was the second player to see yellow. He obstructed Lesvin Stoffels just outside the box.
TTM finished their substitution chances by replacing Lifa Hlongwane and Nuzaid Pail with Tiyiselani Makhubele and Khunadi Nkoana respectively. They played defensive football in the last 15 minutes of the game to defend their lead.