Simunye unbeaten in regional league

FOOTBALL NEWS - The Lawaaikamp-based side Simunye FC maintained their unbeaten run in the Safa Eden Regional Men's League, collecting crucial points at home when they sank Eastern City 1-0 on Saturday afternoon, 6 November, at Rosemoor Stadium.

The only goal of the game was netted by Keathon van Rooyen during the first fifteen minutes.

Simunye "We are One" started the season with four victories in four games, while the Thembalethu team Eastern City has won only one game and lost three.

The match got off to a good start with Simunye leading the game on the right side of the field. Eastern City launched an attack on the left, but a Simunye defender cleared the ball away. Simunye's left flank, Khanyisani Radebe, sent a delightful cross inside the box after a beautiful run from the left side of the field and it was played into the goal by Keathon "Bhizah" van Rooyen, setting the score on 1-0.

Eastern City launched an attack on the right side of the field and managed to receive a corner kick, but failed to score an equalising goal. A throw-in for Eastern City was swept away by Simunye defender Philani Kunene.

With both sides trying to play the ball on the ground to create scoring opportunities, Lwandiso Mpopose (Eastern City) delivered a powerful cross, but their striker failed to control the ball inside the 18 area.

Lwazi Mkhetho (Eastern City) missed his first attempt, his shot going over the goal. Eastern City goalkeeper Awonke Muma denied Simunye a second goal when he made a brilliant save after a cross from Khanyisani Radebe. Siphamandla Baliti of Eastern City drove a marvellous shot inside the box, but his teammate Landile Magwa failed to control it.

Lwandiso Blekiwe (Simunye) received a clever pass from the centre of the field but his shot went wide. Simunye was leading 1-0 into the break.

The second half started at a fast pace with Simunye making the first long-range shot. Eastern City retaliated with a long-range shot by Baliti Siphamandla from a set piece, but the ball struck the cross bar.

Another attempt by Keathon "Bhizah" van Rooyen (Simunye) was foiled when his teammate Khanyisani Radebe failed to control the ball. Eastern City put on the pressure, trying for an equalising goal. Two more attempts, by Sesethu Jack (Simunye) and Lwazi Mkhetho (Eastern City), both missed. Another chance for Eastern City was cleared away by a Simunye defender.

During the last ten minutes of the game, Eastern City attacked with full force looking for the equalising goal and Simunye defenders were working overtime, but no more goals were scored.

Eastern City players back, from left: Siwaphiwe Ntsodo, Lusindiso Mpopose, Awonke Muma, Siphamandla Baliti and Landile Magwa. Front: Siphamandla Tshijilo, Ayakha Msana, Dumani Mike, Lwazi Mkhetho, Thomas Nkosinathi and Jassen Giothli.

Safa Eden Regional League weekend results

Saturday 6 November

Oriented Birds 2-0 Paris United
Red Eagles 2-0 Burning Fire
Young Pirates 2-5 Simunye
Eastern City 3-2 United Brothers
Oriented Birds 4-1 Burning Fire
Red Eagles 5-1 Paris United
Eastern City 0-1 Simunye
United Brothers 1-0 Young Pirates
Sunday 7 November
Peace Makers 2-1 Raul Stars
Peace Makers 5-0 Raising The Bar
Benfica 5-0 Raul Stars
Benfica 1-0 Raising The Bar

In Rosemoor Stadium, Simunye players pose for the camera before their match. Back from left are Mfundo Bophela, Masilakhe Mtibe, Keathon van Rooyen, Khanyisani Radebe, Yamnkela Ntlaba and Philani Philani. Front: Nhlanhla Moloi, Lwandiso Blekiwe, Asemahle Mgwetyana, Lonwabo Stuurman and Mihlani Feni.