League

Huntersfield Stadium
Spectators: 8050 (Terracing: 6000, Seating: 2000, VIP seats: 50) Thabile Thobejane started the match with the kick off in front of an excited audience. After 4 played minutes Highlanders FC got a freekick which was hit by Johann Inguana. 6 minutes into the match, Santos FC Cape Town's goalkeeper Hlamane Mandela had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Thabile Thobejane. After having played for 8 minutes, Petru Buculeasa managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Highlanders FC's supporters crossed their fingers, but Petru Buculeasa was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. Hlamane Mandela showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Petru Buculeasa in the 13th minute of the match. When Santos FC Cape Town's Rob Mandla in the 17th minute got a chance for a shot 17th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Highlanders FC's goalie prevented a goal. Petru Buculeasa fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 20th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Hlamane Mandela having to interfere. An unexpectedly hard shot by Petru Buculeasa in the 23rd minute of play forced Santos FC Cape Town's goalkeeper Hlamane Mandela to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Hlamane Mandela made an important save on a dangerous shot by Thabile Thobejane in the 28th minute. In the 30th minute, Highlanders FC's Petru Buculeasa ran free of his marker and smoothly shot the ball into the goal behind Hlamane Mandela. Hlamane Mandela yelled at his defense, as they had left him out to dry. 1-0. In the 36th minute, Highlanders FC's Petru Buculeasa dribbled the ball into the box and hit a shot with the outside of his foot, sending the keeper the wrong way. 2-0. Rob Mandla sent away a hard shot on goal in the 41st minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Delron Thembe made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Harry Mayoyo in the 43rd minute of play. Thabile Thobejane sent away a hard shot on goal in the 46th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. 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 2-0.

The hometeam waved at the audience when it was time for Rob Mandla to strike the kick off in the second half. In the 53rd match minute, Highlanders FC was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Sam Mabele to maneuver through the defense. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Rob Mandla in the 60th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Delron Thembe saved Highlanders FC from getting behind. Harry Mayoyo kicked well hit freekick during the 67th minute of the match. In the 73rd minute Petru Buculeasa shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Hlamane Mandela saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. A hard shot 74 in the game by Rob Mandla from a close distance when the talented Delron Thembe managed to make a qualified save. Highlanders FC's players were relieved. Thabile Thobejane's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Hlamane Mandela read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 75th minute of play. Petru Buculeasa received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 76th minute. Hlamane Mandela tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. If Petru Buculeasa had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 80th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. After a rather tough play, Highlanders FC's Thabile Thobejane got a free kick in the 82nd minute. When Sam Mabele fell near the penalty area in the 84th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Highlanders FC's protests and gave Sam Mabele a yellow card for diving instead. Hlamane Mandela made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Thabile Thobejane in the 87th minute of play. It was no surprise that this one had ended in a win for the home team. Highlanders FC had played much better football throughout.