League

Mkemane
Spectators: 8288 (Terracing: 6340, Seating: 1943, VIP seats: 5) In the 3rd minute, Siyabonge Qabi hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. When Legako Sephiri came up free with the goalie in the 5th minute, the FC Mkemane fans jumped to their feet. But the shot missed the goal by a fraction of an inch, and the fans sat back down disappointed that Legako Sephiri couldn't finish the play. Bongi Magagane's late challenge caught a Grasshoppers FC's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Bongi Magagane helped the player get up and apologised. The supporters of Grasshoppers FC booed when FC Mkemane was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 8 match minutes in a wonderful position. Bongi Magagane didn't get a good kick on the ball. A collision led to FC Mkemane getting a freekick after 9 minutes play. Bongi Magagane hit a great ball. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Jonas Manyethela in the 10th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Jafta Mabele prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Grasshoppers FC's Nkosi Machete played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Legako Sephiri in the 12th minute of play. Jafta Mabele took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Jonas Manyethela, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. In the 16th minute, David Lekgwathi hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. Nkosi Machete showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Legako Sephiri, who was totally free with the ball in the 18th minute. Jonas Manyethela blasted a shot towards the goal in the 22nd minute, but the shot hit the top of the crossbar and went out without Jafta Mabele having to make a save. Jonas Manyethela sent away a hard shot on goal in the 32nd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Jafta Mabele stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Jonas Manyethela's shot from short distance in the 39th minute. Grasshoppers FC's Elias Tshabalala got a good chance for a goal in the 44th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. The away team players looked dejected as the walked off the pitch at half time. They had fought hard, but were still losing 1-0.

The players of the away team seemed most concentrated when Jonas Manyethela stepped up to make the kick off in the second half. Madolo Serage hit a great freekick 51 minutes into the match. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Jonas Manyethela in the 53rd managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Jafta Mabele saved FC Mkemane from getting behind. In the 53rd match minute, FC Mkemane was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Bongi Magagane to maneuver through the defense. Jafta Mabele had great luck who in the 54thth minute grab hold of the ball when Jonas Manyethela from a short distance tried to put the ball inside the right post. Boyisani Thompson hit a great freekick 56 minutes into the match. David Lekgwathi, 57 minutes into the match, dribbled the ball up the side of the field and decided to take a long shot at the goal. Unfortunately, the ball was poorly hit and landed closer to the corner than to the goal. 59 minutes into the match, Grasshoppers FC's goal looked a bit too open when Albert Mabele came free, but Nkosi Machete reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Elias Tshabalala could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 61st minute of the match, but Jafta Mabele made a huge save. 63 minutes into the game, Jonas Manyethela recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Jafta Mabele. Jonas Manyethela showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 1-1. After some fancy dribbling in the 68th minute, Elias Tshabalala managed to get in a good position for a shot. Grasshoppers FC's supporters rose to their feet, but Elias Tshabalala was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Jafta Mabele breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. Elias Tshabalala sent away a hard shot on goal in the 70th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. Grasshoppers FC's Elias Tshabalala was standing unmarked in front of the goal when he, in the 80th play minute, got the ball and easily drilled it into the goal. Johannes Smith charged in rather forcefully in the 83rd minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Johannes Smith the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. After a defensive mix-up in Grasshoppers FC's zone, Legako Sephiri stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Nkosi Machete came out of the goal and Legako Sephiri tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Mthunzi Sibeko sent away a hard shot on goal in the 95th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. The FC Mkemane fans had already started to leave before the final whistle blew. Grasshoppers FC were clearly better and deserved to take the win.