IT WAS happy hunting for all four KwaZulu-Natal teams in the National First Division (NFD) last weekend.
New boys Uthongathi FC won their first match this season, beating 10-man Black Leopards 1-0 at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Sunday. Striker Celimpilo Ngema scored as the Cane Cutters took their points tally to five in three matches. Club captain Sphamandla Mtolo, who had a good game, says this win is the first of many.
Said Mtolo: “We are happy and relieved. After playing to two draws in our first two matches, we are relieved to finally have our first win. We’re happy to get it in front of our supporters. This victory will also encourage us to keep pushing as we look for more.”
The skipper said they were not in the NFD to make up the numbers but look to challenge for honours.
This was Lidoda Duvha’s first defeat of the season. Their coach Jean Losciuto remains optimistic that he can guide the club to glory this season. Leopards finished the match with 10 men after Thivhavhudzi Ndou was sent off.
Said Losciuto: “We were playing one of the better organised teams in the league. I’ve studied them and knew what we were up against. We managed to match them until our goalkeeper (Rotshidzwa Maluleka) made a blunder that led to the goal. But we are not discouraged. I believe we will bounce back and get that top spot at the end of the season.”
Another KZN team that got maximum points last weekend is Real Kings, who beat Mbombela United 1-0 away.
KZN new boys Richards Bay FC and Royal Eagles are, however, still looking for their first wins of the season.
Richards Bay were held to a goalless draw at home by Mthatha Bucks, while Eagles were held 1-1 at home by Stellenbosch FC.
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC, also new to the NFD, registered their first points in three games when they shocked Jomo Cosmos with a 1-0 defeat at Giyani Stadium.
