GEORGE NEWS - The Safa Eden Regional League kicked off last weekend with games played in different venues across the Eden District.
It was a good start for the Lawaaikamp soldiers, Simunye FC, who collecting maximum points in their two opening games on Saturday 30 October.
Simunye defeated the newly promoted side Raul Stars 2-0 at the Lawaaikamp Stadium. The goals were netted during the second half by Thanduzuko Baloti and Nkosikhona Gwegwe. For the newcomers Raul Stars, however, it was a disappointing start as they lost both their games.
Raul Stars started the match with powerful shot from the centre of the field. Both teams were trying to play the ball on the ground with Raul Stars receiving the first set piece of the game, but no goal resulted. Another attempt at goal by Sidumo Siphosethu (Raul Stars) was saved by Simunye goalkeeper Asemahle Mgwetyana.
Mtibe Masilakhe (Simunye) tried to play shot passes from the centre of the field, but these were blocked by Raul Stars defenders. Andrewwarno Nappies (Raul Stars) delivered a beautiful cross inside the box from the left side of the field, but it was defended by Mfundo Bophela (Simunye). Siyabonga Aseni (Raul Stars) received a delightful pass from the centre of the field but his attempt went over the cross bar.
A solo attack by Simunye player Mario Nomdoe on the right side of the field was blocked by Raul Stars back line.
Zusakhe Bhishisini (Raul Stars) drove another dangerous strike inside the box and Simunye's defence cleared the ball away.
Simunye was playing the ball from the back, building their attack from the wings.
Zusakhe Bishini (Raul Stars) tried his luck setting a powerful shot just outside the box but it went over the goal.
Khanyisa Radebe (Simunye) drove another close shot outside the box but Raul Stars goalkeeper Khanyisa Cube made a brilliant save, forcing a corner kick for Simunye.
The first half of the game ended with a goalless draw.
Young Pirates showing off their new tracksuits for the 2021/22 season.
The second half started at a high tempo with Simunye players looking positive on the ball.
Raul Stars received a free kick in the centre of the field, which was defended by the Simunye back line. Both teams were now desperately hunting for the first goal, trying to open up a good space from the centre of the field. Tabaneng Tebogo was creating chances for Raul Stars on the right side of the field delivering beautiful passes.
Simunye eventually netted their first goal after a marvellous shot from Thanduzuko Baloti inside the box, beating Raul Stars goalkeeper Khanyisa Cube. Raul Stars came back in full force looking for equalising goal during the last minutes of the game, but to no avail. Simunye extended their lead to make it 2-0 after a beautiful cross from a set piece.
Nkosikhona Gwegwe made no mistake and score the second goal after Raul Stars defender failed to clear the ball from the free kick. Raul Stars tried to come back doing their best on the ball but it was too late. The exciting Regional League game ended 2-0.
The Raul Stars team.
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