Young Pirates fail to defend

GEORGE NEWS - Young Pirates from Thembalethu dropped crucial points at home when they lost 3-2 against the Mossel Bay side Peace Makers in a Safa Eden Regional Men's League last weekend.

The game was played at the Lawaaikamp Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 12 February. The five goals of the match were scored by Asemahle "Dede" Bobelo and Ndimphiwe Mdoda (a brace from two penalties) for Peace Makers, and Sinenkosi Keyizana and Yanga Maselwa (own goal) for Young Pirates.

Young Pirates are currently sitting at number 13 in the bottom half of the log table while Peace Makers have the top spot in their sights.

Peace Makers started the game with an attack on the Young Pirates defenders. Asemahle "Dede" Bobelo opened the score for them with a powerful header after a cross from the right side of the field. Young Pirates launched another attack from the left side of the field, but it ended in a corner kick after a Peace Makers defender cleared away the ball. Young Pirates failed to break the net from their corner kick.

Lithalethu Zondani of Peace Makers took control of the ball in the centre of the field and beat Luyanda Gcuwa of Young Pirates. Unfortunately Zondani's clever pass was well blocked by Young Pirates' right back line. Young Pirates kept chasing the game looking for a goal, but had no success, and the first half ended 1-0 for Peace Makers.

At the start of the second half, Peace Makers set up a fast pace, chasing a second goal with beautiful attacking play. They were awarded a penalty after a dangerous tackle inside the box and Ndimphiwe Mdoda scored to make it 2-0.

Young Pirates came back with full force and Keyizana Sinenkosi scored their first goal, making it 2-1. With both teams hunting for more goals, Young Pirates equalised through an own goal by Yanga Maselwa after a strong attack from a set piece.

Thami Kebe of Young Pirates gave away a penalty when he handled the ball inside the box and Ndimphiwe Mdoda of Peace Makers scored a second time, making it 3-2. The home team struggled to defend against the speed of Peace Makers' wings Asemahle "Dede" Bobelo on the right side and Yanga Maselwa on the left side of the field, and the full 90 minutes ended with a score of 3-2.

Football supporters came from Thembalethu to watch the games at the Lawaaikamp Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Photos: Zama Gagu