League Play-Off

Nkothweni
Spectators: 36 (Terracing: 28, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) FC Sabierivier's Johannes Ngake started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. In the 3rd minute, Jeff Setlaba hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Jafta Konza's shot when he came free in front of the goal in the 7thth minute, Nelson Vanker skillfully showed off with a save to what seemed to be an obvious goal. Nelson Vanker showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Etienne Mbule in the 12th minute of the match. The audience thought a goal was coming when Jafta Konza got free with Nelson Vanker in the 13th minute, but the goalkeeper managed to catch the ball with a huge effort. It was a well-played corner which Etienne Tembe managed to volley towards the net. Unfortunately, he didn't get a great hit on the ball and it went out into the grandstand. When FC Sabierivier's Papi Tshabalala in the 18th minute got a chance for a shot 18th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Watergang f.c's goalie prevented a goal. FC Sabierivier's Nelson Vanker proved his good apprehension of play when he, in the 26th minute of the match, managed to save FC Sabierivier from getting a goal against them. Nelson Vanker took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Etienne Mbule, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. After 35 played minutes, Watergang f.c's Ivan Komani shot from a long distance, and at first it looked like the ball was going into the goal, but the goalkeeper Nelson Vanker came through and got his fingers on the ball before it flew over the goal line. He then quickly gripped the ball tighter before the forwards in Watergang f.c reached it. If Jafta Konza had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 37th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. When the referee blew for the end of the half the home team players were clearly happier, as they went in to the break leading 1-0.

The players of the home team were most fresh-looking when they entered the field to play the second half. Etienne Mbule was the one to do the kick off. In the 53rd minute Etienne Mbule shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Nelson Vanker saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Jafta Konza sent away a hard shot on goal in the 55th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Jason Ngake's late challenge caught a Watergang f.c's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Jason Ngake helped the player get up and apologised. Jason Ngake hit a great freekick 55 minutes into the match. After 56 played minutes Watergang f.c got a freekick which was hit by Jafta Konza. Norman Mbule showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Johannes Ngake in the 62nd minute of the match. Nelson Vanker showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Etienne Mbule, who was totally free with the ball in the 64th minute. Etienne Mbule fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 66th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Nelson Vanker having to interfere. An unexpectedly hard shot by Etienne Mbule in the 68th minute of play forced FC Sabierivier's goalkeeper Nelson Vanker to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Etienne Mbule received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 69th minute. Nelson Vanker tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Papi Tshabalala could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 72nd minute of the match, but Norman Mbule made a huge save. If Papi Tshabalala had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 74th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. 77 minutes into the game, John Nomvete was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Watergang f.c's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave FC Sabierivier the free kick. After 77 played minutes Watergang f.c got a freekick which was hit by John Nomvete. Papi Tshabalala might have been able to make a better finish in the 78th minute when he tried to place a hard shot over Norman Mbule. Instead the ball went over the crossbar and out. Papi Tshabalala ran back to his position shaking his head. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Johannes Ngake in the 80th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Norman Mbule saved Watergang f.c from getting behind. A collision led to FC Sabierivier getting a freekick after 86 minutes play. Jason Fredericks hit a great ball. Nelson Vanker showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Etienne Mbule, who was totally free with the ball in the 89th minute. FC Sabierivier's Nelson Vanker played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Jafta Konza in the 94th minute of play. Jason Ngake hit a great freekick 94 minutes into the match. In the 96th minute, Jafta Konza ran past the defenders and hit a shot which went straight ahead into goal. Nelson Vanker was frozen by the shot and now it was 2-1. For all the effort they put into the match, the FC Sabierivier players left disappointed. They had fought hard, but couldn't break down the home team's defense. The match ended in a win for Watergang f.c.