TTM refuse to die

The fighting spirit of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) showed the past weekend when they came back from a 0-2 deficit to hold Super Eagles to a 3-3 draw in their National First Division League match played at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

TTM blundered by fielding three inexperienced players, Takalani Ratshilima, Thabang Malatjie and Tsepo Makgopa, in the starting line-up. The visitors from Bethlehem capitalized on this and scored two goals before the teams adjourned for half time.

The home side displayed entertaining football in the middle of the park, but they lacked the fighting power at the goal finish. It took Super Eagles 24 minutes to open their account. Modibedi Mokoena blasted in a rocket after receiving a square pass from Bongani Mbuli.

TTM Lost cohesion at the far back after the Eagles’ opening goal. They were severely punished for that. Super Eagles increased the margin in the 29^th minute via Njabulo Mahori. He gave the ball a final touch, following a heart-breaking scramble within the box.

TTM effected two changes to their starting 11 soon afterwards. They replaced Takalani Ratshilima and Thabang Malatjie with Frank Motebejane and Themba Ndlovu respectively.

TTM approached the last half with more self-confidence, with their midfielders distributing some dangerous passes to the goal poachers. They pulled one back through David Mathebula in the 56^th minute. TTM completed their substitution chances by introducing Teboho Kalake for Tsepo Makgopa.

Kalake made his presence felt four minutes after his introduction. He beat the keeper with a half volley to level matters. TTM’s equalizing goal seemed to be an insult to the Eagles. They reclaimed the lead, following Thapelo Selepe’s header. TTM did not throw in the towel, despite the fact that time was fast running out for them. They found the equalizer through Themba Ndlovu six minutes before the final whistle blew.

Date:22 December 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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