First NFD defeat for TTM

Things did not go according to plan in the camp of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) FC in their opening NFD League fixture. They donated vital league points to Cape Town All Stars when they lost 0-1 at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.

TTM, or Vhadau vha Damani as they are affectionately called, were unstoppable in the first 15 minutes. The combination of the former Stellenbosch sharpshooter, Jonathan Stoffels, and their diminutive dribbling wizard, Mpambaniso Monde, kept the Stars defence running for cover for the better part of the game.

The home side soon realized that they need more accuracy in the NFD when they squandered two clear scoring chances within a short space of time. Mpambaniso Monde had his chance in the seventh minute after receiving a pre-cooked pass from his captain, Rofhiwa Tshikovhi. Monde beat two defenders in a row and unleashed a powerful half volley from inside the box. The ball missed the target by inches.

That did not kill Vhadau’s fighting spirit. Jonathan Stoffels watched in disbelief as his volley went a little wide moments thereafter.

The visitors from the mother city took the lead in the 24^th minute. They were awarded a free kick in the 30-meter area. Setelele Nyembezi took the kick and Nathan Gertse headed home. Ruzaigh Gamildien of Stars was reprimanded with a card nine minutes towards the end of the first half. He tackled Nhlakhaniphi Khumalo from behind.

Vhadau introduced two new faces, Khunadi Nkoana and Katlego Molomo, and sacrificed Nhlakhamipi Khumalo and Morule Orabile in the opening minutes of the last half. Thabo Ralebakeng of TTM was booked for a simulation later in the game. He took a dive inside the penalty box as if he had been tackled from behind and the referee was quick to flash yellow.

Date:24 August 2017

By: Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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