Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) pushed Uthongathi FC deep into the relegation quagmire when they crushed them 2-1 in their National First Division League match played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors from Durban demonstrated their rough skills from the first whistle. The referee, Mr Masixole Bambiso, refused to see any of the culprits go unpunished. He flashed two yellow cards within the first 10 minutes of the game. Njabulo Buthelezi was booked for a late tackle on Mpambaniso Monde. Andile Khumalo was also reprimanded with a card for obstructing Lesedi Kapinga.
TTM took the lead in the 24th minute. They were awarded a free kick after Mpambaniso Monde was brought down just outside the box. David Mathebula tried his luck with the free kick. A defender of Uthongahti, Philani Gumede, deflected the ball back into his own net in an attempt to clear it.
Uthongathi lost their original shape in the middle of the park after TTM's goal. They were severely punished for that. TTM capitalized on the setback and increased the lead in the 29th minute. Aluwani "Killer" Nedzamba headed home, following a scramble within the box.
Nedzamba's goal served as a wake-up call to the players of Uthongahti. They initiated some promising moves from behind in the last 15 minutes of the first half. Their efforts paid dividends when they pulled one back in the 40th minute. Menzi Ndwandwe beat the TTM keeper, Bongani Manavhela, with a ground cutter to bring the half-time score to 2-1.
Uthongathi approached the latst half with more self-confidence, but they could not find their way through TTM's rock-solid wall. Although Uthongathi used all their substitution chances in the last half, the moves did not change the complexion of the game.
TTM replaced David Mathebula and Tebogo Kalake with Lesvin Stoffels and Nurzhad Pail respectively later in the game. Bongani Manavhela, TTM's keeper, pulled off two brilliant saves towards the end of the game.