Tables turn in regional league

GEORGE NEWS - Simunye Football Club from Lawaaikamp kept their Safa Eden Regional League title hopes alive when they sank the struggling Raul Stars 2-0 on Saturday afternoon, 12 February, at the Lawaaikamp Stadium.

Khanyisani "Mashesha" Radebe (26) scored a brace for Simunye during the second half of the game. Radebe has so far scored 20 goals for Simunye in this league and played very well last weekend.

Simunye is at the top of the Regional League log table with 42 points after thirteen victories, three draws and one defeat. Raul Stars are at the bottom of the table with four points after one win, one draw and fifteen defeats.

Both teams attacked from the outset, using speed on the flanks. Raul Stars received a set piece but Zukhanye Mkefe's strike went wide. Vuyisa Dyonas of Simunye played in a pass from the centre of the field but his shot went over the cross bar. Simunye launched another attack with Vuyisa Dyonas controlling the game from the centre of the field.

Though both teams were creating scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes, no goals were scored. Raul Stars received a set piece from the centre of the field and Zukhanye Mkefe's strike went over the goal. Simunye attacked on the left side of the field and Radebe, their impact player, delivered a powerful shot but it was blocked by the opposition's goalkeeper Luvuyo Ncamile. The first half had some exciting play but nevertheless ended goalless.

The second half started on fire with Raul Stars taking the first long-range shot, but it was blocked by Simunye goalkeeper Asemahle Mgwetyana.

Siyanda Madlala of Simunye received the ball from Siyabonga "Mpumlo" Miggels on the right side of the field, but missed his first opportunity when his shot went over the bar. Lilitha Jantjies of Raul Stars used his pace to beat Simunye left back. Yamkela Ntlaba of Simunye missed the target after world-class cross played in from the left side by Radebe. Raul Stars kept on pressing and pushing for the first goal but their shot was denied by Simunye goalkeeper.

The log leaders received a soft penalty which Radebe converted, making it 1-0. Chasing scoring opportunities, Raul Stars managed to receive a free kick on the right side of the field, however, Zukhanye's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Simunye converted their second goal with a top-class strike from Radebe, making it 2-0. Raul Stars kept pushing for more chances, but failed to break the net and the game ended 2-0.