Liverpool put brakes on Madlenya, Lozitha cruise

(At KaLanga Technical Centre)

Magwanyana ………………(0)0

Lozitha ……………………….(0)4

Samkelo 49^th, Thandukwazi 51^st+73^rd, Bonkhe 68^th

Madlenya ……………………(0)1

Thobelani 64^th

U.Liverpool …………………(0)2

Sandziso 78^th, Machawe 90+3

SITEKI –  Under the gloomy skies of the KaLanga Technical Centre, the Lubombo regional derby delivered a bitter blow to log leaders Madlenya.

Aspirations for the E55 000 first-round incentive were dented by a resilient Usuthu Liverpool. In a clash defined by regional bragging rights and off-field passion, Madlenya’s afternoon began with promise. After a cagey, goalless first half overseen by referee Thamsanqa Ginindza, the log leaders finally broke the deadlock under a gentle drizzle. Marksman Thobelani ‘Mboza’ Gamedze found the net to give Madlenya the lead, much to the delight of the traveling supporters.

However, the joy was short-lived. Usuthu captain Sandziso Tsabedze restored parity in the 78^th minute, sparking a late surge. The heartbreak was completed in the dying embers of the match when Machawe Hlanze struck the winner, handing Madlenya a 2-1 defeat and leaving their title ambitions hanging in the balance. It was their first defeat since the opening round of the season.

The high-profile encounter was witnessed by notable figures, including the Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini and Sport Portfolio Committee Chairman Sifiso ‘Haizo’ Shabalala.

In the day’s earlier kick-off, Lozitha Spurs dismantled a dejected Magwanyana with a clinical 4-0 display. While the first-half remained a stalemate, the floodgates opened just four minutes after the restart when Lozitha skipper Samkelo Simelane broke the resistance.

Substitute Thandukwazi Ndwandwe proved to be the game-changer, doubling the lead within two minutes of the opener before completing his brace in the 73^rd minute. Bonkhe Masika added further gloss to the scoreline with a well-deserved goal eight minutes after the hour mark.

Despite the tireless efforts of Magwanyana’s Ncamiso Gina and Sethu Ngcamphalala, Lozitha goalkeeper Bonginkhosi Simelane remained largely untroubled, ensuring a clean sheet on a dominant afternoon for the Spurs.