THANDA ROYAL ZULU VS GOLDEN ARROWS | NFD

Competition: NFD
Date: Wednesday ,29 April 2015
Venue: Umhlathuze Sports Ground
Kick-off: 15:00pm

Abafana Bes’thende have won their second derby game in a row after beating Thanda Royal Zulu 3-2 in Richards Bay this afternoon.

Golden Arrows needed to consolidate quickly in the first half after Thanda Royal zulu opened their account in the 9th minute when they scored off their first corner of the game. The players put their hands up, and enterprising play between Fikizolo, Cele saw Abafana Bes’thende take the game to Thanda. Fikizolo took the ball up and a Thanda hand got in the way, giving Golden Arrows a Free Kick on the edge of the box. Khenyeza took full advantage and equalised off the kick.

Thanda again took the lead after another corner that was scored from the corner kick taker and again Golden Arrows fought back to ensure an equaliser was scored before half time. The second goal came from Cele after a great period of play, that saw Fikizolo lay it off to him in the box for his shot. This ensured the teams went into the break at 2 goals all.

The coaching staff then decided at half time to put some pace in the game, subbing both Hotto and Nxumalo onto the field on the turn of the break. This changed the pace from Abafana’s side and saw some explosive play up the wing on both sides of the park.

Dube picked up his pace too and the game plan changed to attack until we took the lead. The break came when Mkhize scored off a great assist from Khenyeza.

The game held the tempo of any derby, with both sides attacking at every turn and having to defend as hard to keep the ball from finding the back of the net from each side.

Both sides defended their goals like life depended on it, and at one stage the game was primarily a mid-field battle.

It was Lamontville Golden Arrows day however, and they can proudly return to Durban with their 3 points, with little time to rest on their laurels before Sundays match agains Cape Town All Stars at Chatsworth Stadium.