ALEXANDRA -– Dull game fails to live up to the expectations of a derby match.
Croesus Ladies maintained their unbeaten run in the Gauteng Sasol Women’s League when they overcame a ‘work in progress’ Bluebirds Ladies team by a solitary goal in an Alex Northrand derby.
Played at the Number 3 Square Grounds on 23 May, the game was one of the dullest of matches but as Greek Queen’s coach Barnes Qina often says, a win is a win’ regardless of the scoreline as the Balfour side edged out the Lady Birds of Alexandra 1–0.
The goal came through the boot of Samaria Gaba in just 15 minutes of play when perennial goal poacher Lerato ‘Pele’ Ruele was fouled inside the box by Birds keeper Gugu Pitso and the referee never hesitated in pointing to the penalty spot.
The penalty kick was a blessing in disguise as Gaba needed to redeem herself after she failed earlier to pinpoint her thunderous shot that went wide of the goalposts.
The Birds, who were bolstered by the return of veteran campaigner Vangile ‘Nyatama’ Mnguni after an absence of two years, put up a brave fight in search of an equaliser but could not get past the tight Croesus defence.
Nyatama, as she is popularly known by her peers, showed her previous brilliance in the Birds colours when she ran riot and shook the resolute Greek Queens defence but her efforts went unrewarded.
Vuyo Xabanisa’s deft touches on the ball proved why the Birds midfield maestro was chosen in 2017 as a Future Players Gauteng Talent Search winner and had the opportunity to travel to Spain.
When Qina realised where her team’s weakness was, she introduced Kedibone Mateya, a former Silver Spears player who was coached by well-known blind coach Dumisani Ntombela. Mateya added the much-needed impetus on the right-wing.
Mateya, who came on for Lindiwe Daki, made several brilliant runs on goal but was kept in check by the Birds defenders. Mapule Mofokeng came on for Nicole Simon and also made an immediate impact as she almost scored with her first touch of the ball.
Mofokeng failed to connect with a cross that needed a simple touch and the Greek Queens settled for the slender win.
