IT was a grueling task when Motherwell Academy (MWA) earned a hard-fought 3-2 victory over their neighbours, Motherwell School of Excellence (MSE), during their SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Regional League clash at Motherwell NU2 Stadium on Sunday.
Bulelani Nongongoma was rewarded with an early goal that put MWA 1-0 up in the 10th minute. MSE replied with a quick goal, which was scored by Avelile Quvana in the 13th minute. MWA dictated the terms, with MSE defence being under immense pressure.
Following a goal mouth scramble in front of MSE goals, Nongongoma registered his second goal in the 37th minute. Milani Mrwadi could have scored MWA third goal in the 40th minute but the right wing’s efforts were easily dealt with by the MSE goalkeeper. Mrwadi supplied a perfect pass to the veteran striker, Mbongeni Keita Yako, who scored MWA’s third goal in the stroke of first half.
MSE’s head coach, Vuyisile Dyakalashe’s change room pep-talk motivated his side. MSE launched more attacks to the home side. Sibongile Punisher Marali scored a goal from the penalty mark in the 67th minute.
Yako was unlucky after what was going to be his goal was saved by the cross bar in the 81st minute. MWA decided to defend in numbers, with that helping them to claim a hard-fought 3–2 victory.
According to the SAFA NMB head of referees, Lindikhaya Bolo, the referee reported to him that he had decided to call off the game between Young Teenagers and Major Chiefs at Veeplaas Turf Stadium on Saturday after he was assaulted by some player Teenagers.
Other SAFA NMB Regional League results:
Bay Tigers 1–0 Red City
Roaring Tigers 2–0 Port Elizabeth FC
Sibanye FC 3–1 New Brighton Academy
Stinging Bees 0–3 Motherwell Academy
Camper United 1–0 Madibaz Football
Despatch Pioneers 3–0 Highland Spurs
EC Celtics 4–1 Golden Aces
Port Elizabeth FC 0–4 Bay Tigers
Madibaz Football 1–1 Stinging Bees
Highland Spurs 3–1 Young Teenagers
