Oriented Birds soar to next level

FOOTBALL NEWS - Plett football club, Oriented Birds, last week fulfilled every club's dream by completing its rise from the local football league to the third tier of South African football, the ABC Motsepe League.

Oriented Birds (OB) earned their spot in the play-offs for the Western Cape ABC Motsepe Provincial League after emerging victorious in the Safa Eden Men's Regional League in the 2022/23 season.

Their regional triumph saw the Plett outfit travel to Saldanha Bay last week for the play-offs, held at Saldanha Sports Complex in Saldanha Bay on Saturday and Sunday, 1 and 2 July.

Oriented Birds enjoyed a successful start to the play-offs, standing level on points in Group A with Fleetwood, prior to the final game of the group stages which was coincidentally played between the two sides. Before the last game of the group stages, OB and Fleetwood were level on points, with Fleetwood sitting at the top of the group with better goal difference.

At the end of the game, only the top side in the group stage could qualify for the final to compete for promotion to the Western Cape ABC Motsepe Provincial League.

The final group stage game got off to a tight start, with a goalless first half keeping matters even. A second-half goal from Sinethemba Bantyi ensured though that it would be the men from Eden that would emerge top of Group A, qualifying for the play-off final where they would face Junction Rovers.

A flying final

The final started off at a fast pace with both teams looking for an early goal. Junction Rovers were using their strength on the ball to create more chances, trying to win every ball from the midfield.

OB's centre midfield players Thabiso Minana and Sinethemba Bantyi, supported by Khanyisani Radebe, were controlling the game trying to break through the solid back line of Junction Rovers. No goals were scored in the first 45 minutes as both sides failed to capitalise on their clear-cut opportunities. But, the second half proved to be very different.

Oriented Birds are back, from left: Ayabulela Thafeni, Siyanda Madlala, Thabiso Minana, Khanyisani Radebe, Zakhe Xhotho, Mfundo Bophela and coach Marx Banzi. Front: Limile Mamana, Lukhanyo Ndolomane, Fazel Damans, Yamkela Mseleni and Sinethemba Bantyi. Photos: Zama Gagu

Five of the best

The second half saw both teams looking very sharp on the ball with Junction Rovers attacking on the wings. Rovers received a free kick just outside the box, but it was cleared away by OB defenders, forcing a throw-in for Rovers. Later, Rovers were rewarded with a corner kick that led to their defender Adeeb Triegaardt opening the score to make it 1-0.

OB retaliated with positive moves, advancing on the field to score the equalising goal courtesy of Siyanda Madlala, making it 1-1. The Rovers created more chances, using their wings to attack OB's back line, and their captain, Adeeb Triegaardt, netted the second goal, putting his side 2-1 ahead.

The game was still on with OB grinding for another equalising goal. Vuyani Mdali converted his chance to make it 2-2 after a strong attack from the right side of the field.

Both teams were pushing every ball forward trying to get their winning goal. Siyanda Madlala of OB put the final nail in the coffin when he netted their third goal to put the Birds in the lead 3-2 after playing beautiful touches into the box during the dying moments of the game. No more goals were scored and OB ended up going home with the bragging rights.

This victory by the reigning Safa Eden champions Oriented Birds will see them bring back the entertainment and the semi-professional football teams to Bitou communities and the Eden region.

Oriented Birds players, team managers and supporters with their trophy after winning the Western Cape title and promotion.