Hungry Lions Secure Second Place with 2-0 Victory, Venda Football Academy Faces Ranking Drop
In an intense Wednesday afternoon match at Malamulele Stadium, the Hungry Lions affirmed their dominance by defeating the Venda Football Academy with an impressive 2-0 win. This victory allowed the Lions to maintain their strong hold on the second position in the standings.
The match kicked off with Raymond Daniels swiftly giving the Lions the lead within just four minutes. The team’s momentum continued as Muzomuhle Khanyi doubled their advantage just five minutes later. The Lions’ cohesive gameplay and strategic execution showcased their determination to maintain their position in the league.
On the other hand, the defeat proved detrimental for the Venda Football Academy, as they slipped down to the 14th position on the log with a total of eight points. This setback will undoubtedly prompt the team to reevaluate their strategies and work towards regaining their previous standing.
Meanwhile, in another game, Casric Stars managed to break their three-game losing streak with a convincing 2-0 victory over Pretoria Callies. Tlhalefang Kgabane opened the scoring for Casric within the first two minutes, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Lifa Makua secured the three crucial points for the hosts with a goal in the last minute.
Casric’s triumph propelled them up the log to the seventh position with a total of 14 points. Unfortunately, Pretoria Callies faced disappointment as they remained rooted to the bottom of the log with only seven points to their credit.
In a thrilling encounter, University of Pretoria lost their grip on victory in the last ten minutes of the match against Upington City. After a goalless first half, Samuel Julies broke the deadlock for AmaTuks with only ten minutes remaining. However, Bonginkosi Makume scored the equalizer in added time, leaving AmaTuks stunned. Vuyisile Ntobayithethi then sealed the deal for Upington, snatching the winning goal at the death.
As a result of their loss, AmaTuks dropped to the ninth spot on the table, while Bafana Ba Gucci climbed to eighth place with a superior goal difference.
Baroka showcased their prowess by securing their third victory in four matches. They overcame Milford with a nerve-wracking 3-2 scoreline at Global Stadium. Lehlohonolo Nonyane opened the scoring for Baroka within the first four minutes, followed by a goal from Kabelo Kgositsile just two minutes later. Siyabonga Mthombeni added to their commanding lead, making it 3-0 within the half-hour mark. Though Menzi Chilli’s two goals for Milford threatened Baroka’s advantage, the team managed to hold on for the win.
The victory propelled Baroka to the sixth position on the log, accumulating 14 points. Meanwhile, Milford fell down to 13th place with just eight points.
JDR Stars firmly established their place among the promotion chasing pack with a resounding 3-1 victory over Platinum City Rovers. Prince Nxumalo’s brace proved crucial for JDR Stars as he broke the deadlock on 24 minutes. Alifeyo Ziba then extended their lead just before the half-hour mark. Although Sipho Zwane managed to reduce the deficit for City Rovers on 64 minutes, Nxumalo sealed the deal for JDR Stars with a goal 19 minutes before the final whistle.
JDR Stars maintained their position in third place on the log, trailing three points behind the table-toppers, Orbit College. Unfortunately for City Rovers, they found themselves languishing second-from-bottom with only seven points.
In the Limpopo derby, Marumo Gallants suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Magesi, extending their winless run to four matches. Wonderboy Makhubu broke the deadlock for Magesi ten minutes before the break, and Motsie Matima sealed the deal just before the hour mark.
Dikwena’s victory elevated them to the fourth position on the log, while Marumo Gallants fell to 12th place with 11 points.
NB La Masia, under the leadership of Daine Klate, experienced their first defeat with a narrow 2-1 loss to table-toppers Orbit College. Faud Johnson initially gave La Masia the lead in the 14th minute, but Orbit College swiftly equalized and clinched the winning goal six minutes later.
Orbit College maintained their three-point lead at the top of the log, while NB La Masia dropped to 11th place with 12 points.
Lastly, Black Leopards edged out Maritzburg United with a 1-0 victory at Thohoyandou Stadium, resulting in Maritzburg United losing back-to-back matches. The defeat pushed Maritzburg United down to the fifth position on the table with 15 points. Meanwhile, Black Leopards climbed to tenth place with 13 points.
As the league progresses, teams scramble to assert their dominance and improve their rankings. The intense battles witnessed on match days only serve to heighten the anticipation and excitement among football enthusiasts.
