×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Stars back on top after goalless draw

CONFRONTATION: Chiefs midfielder Ditheko Mototo collides against Cosmos Velery Nahayo in Csstle Premiership match at Orkney Stadium, North West, yesterday. Pic. Lucky Nxumalo. 21/01/2007. © Sowetan.
CONFRONTATION: Chiefs midfielder Ditheko Mototo collides against Cosmos Velery Nahayo in Csstle Premiership match at Orkney Stadium, North West, yesterday. Pic. Lucky Nxumalo. 21/01/2007. © Sowetan.

Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Hail Jomo "The King" Sono.

The coach of Jomo Cosmos masterminded his club's unforeseen victory over Kaizer Chiefs at Orkney Stadium yesterday.

Ezenkosi defied all odds and defeated Amakhosi 2-1 in a fast and furious Castle Premiership thriller that attracted an almost capacity crowd to this North West venue.

All three superb goals were struck in the first half of this encounter.

Ezenkosi, who were the hosts of this keenly-awaited clash, scored first in the 21st minute through Valery Nahayo, who nodded home after a well-taken corner by Dikgang Mabalane.

But their celebration was short-lived when Ditheko Mototo leveled the scoring five minutes later after a goalmouth melee.

Pandemonium broke out at the back for Cosmos as the attacking Chiefs raided their area like bees, but the visitors' attacks amounted to nothing as the Cosmos rearguard stood firm to deny them any scoring opportunity.

While Chiefs appeared favourites to score, the hosts surprised them with a goal through Calvin Kadi, who struck a 20m drive a minute from the interval.

Kadi was supplied by Bamuza Sono and left Chiefs' defenders Siphiwe Mkhonza and Jimmy Tau chasing shadows.

Chiefs came close to scoring, but Gert Schalkwyk's ideas were well read by Cosmos' goalkeeper Abiasi Shiningayamwa in the 60th minute.

But referee Jonas Nhlapo ruled that the Cosmos goal minder fouled Schalkwyk in the box and he awarded the penalty to Chiefs.

However, Nhlapo's assistant, Peter Rabopara, had already flagged for an off-side, to the relief of Cosmos fans and anger of Chiefs' followers.

l In Phokeng, Silver Stars returned to the summit of the Premiership log after playing to a scoreless draw against former neighbours Black Leopards yesterday.

The two teams started evenly but missed gilt-edged scoring opportunities.

The home side had an easy scoring chance through the usually clinical Hareaipha "Simba" Marumo in the 34th minute.

Marumo's miss came 14 minutes after Koketso Mmotong had also fluffed a great scoring opportunity, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

l More soccer in Sports Voltage (Page 19).

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.