FOOTBALL NEWS - The newly promoted soccer side from Mossel Bay, the Sea Birds, took a tumble at the Lawaaikamp Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 26 November, losing 3-2 against the Thembalethu side, Eastern City.

 The five goals were netted by Siyavuya Mjada and Mula Fransico for the visiting team and Lwazi Mkhetho and Luzuko Sabelesiva (brace) for Eastern City. 

After spending the last season in the semi-professional Western Cape ABC Motsepe League playing for Black Cats, Siyavuya Mjada of Sea Birds netted one of the quickest goals in the region.

It took him less than 30 seconds to send a classy shot from inside the box into the goal. This was soon followed by an equalising goal from Lwazi Mkhetho of Eastern City, who surprised everyone with a powerful shot from the centre of the field. 

Continued offensive play by the visitors saw their left-footed player Mula Fransico netting the second goal for Sea Birds to make it 2-1.

For the first 20 minutes both teams were playing the ball on the ground. There was a failed attempt by Anoxolo Mbaxa of Eastern City as well as a free kick for Sea Birds, which was cleared away. 

Eastern City attacked on the left side of the field with Luzuko Sabelesiva scoring the equalising goal, taking the game from the visitors. Lwazi Mkhetho attempted a second goal for Eastern City but his shot hit the side netting. 

A strong attack by the home team, Eastern City, saw the speedy winger Luzuko Sabelesiva scoring his second goal to make it 3-2, which was the half-time score.

The second half saw attempts at goal by Anathi Tafeni of Sea Birds and Lwazi Khekho of Eastern City, but no goals were scored. The game ended 3-2 with Eastern City collecting maximum points at home.

Match officials and team captains before the game are Linathi Siko, Anathi Tafeni (Sea Birds), Endinalo Manyangaza, Ryan Gcuwa (Eastern City) and Lwazi Mrhuquli. Photo: Zama Gagu

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