Zwelethemba Stadium was abuzz on Saturday following a soccer match between Worcester United and Worcester City (Citizens) that drew hundreds of soccer enthusiasts from across the Breede Valley.
Bongani Banton scored an amazing goal for Citizens, which helped them win the game and advance to the Promotional League play-offs. The Citizen goalkeeper also made some great saves to keep United from scoring.
Citizens dominated United for the first half.
In the second half, United had a chance to score and tie the game. However, the Citizens goalkeeper made a save to stop them from scoring. Even after that save the Citizens’ goalkeeper kept the opponents at bay, giving them less chances to draw the game.
Bennett Hlalele, Worcester City Coach, hailed his defence players and goalkeeper. “We ensured United were denied any chance to level the score,” he said. “Our defence and goalkeeper were very good. We took off our attacking players and put in more defensive players so we could protect that lead.”
Hlalele noted United were overloading their right wing in the second half, using Owen Bushwana and Bongani Somadani, but their left-back, Khanya Matina, was solid in denying them any gap to penetrate. “The boys did a good job and put United’s two experienced players in their place,” he said. “In my opinion it was a good game, the best of the season, because both teams played football all season, until this last encounter.”
Citizens are currently sitting comfortable in stream A, with 33 points in 13 games. It is not yet confirmed when the play-offs against De Doorns’ Sandhills XI Attackers will be played.
However, Citizens are gearing for their next encounter to wrap up their league campaign on a high note. As defending champions they are looking forward to correcting their technical mistakes, which prohibited the team from advancing to the Safa regional league.
