DERRICK "Khaya"' Khoza, owner of Sivutsa Stars, says his charges were lucky to have played to a 1-all draw against Bay United in a National First Division match at the University of Limpopo Stadium over the weekend.

Khoza said Umlilo had put pressure on them throughout the match and that they were lucky and relieved to have left the encounter with a point.

"Bay United were a totally different team from the one that played to a goalless draw against Witbank Spurs on Wednesday," Khoza said yesterday.

"They out-muscled us in most departments.

"The match was an eye-opener to us and we will work on the departments that were a bit shaky on Sunday.

"We will work more on our midfield and defence to ensure that we are strong for Wednesday's match against Witbank Spurs at Puma rugby Stadium in Emalahleni," he said yesterday.

Bay United general manager Nomalungelo Mooi said they were satisfied with the boys' improved performance.

"We are happy that the boys have shown so a much improvement and we are convinced they will display the same level of performance against Vasco da Gama in Cape Town on Wednesday.

"A point is better than nothing and we hope that the same spirit will prevail at our future matches," Mooi said yesterday.

United were the first to score through Thapelo Mathibe, while Stars replied through Siphesihle Zwane, all in the second half.

In other league matches that were played on Saturday, battling Atlie FC pipped fellow strugglers Mpumalanga Black Aces 1-0 at Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa.

Elsewhere Chippa United won the Cape Town derby when they defeated Vasco da Gama 1-0 at Phillip Stadium, while Blackburn Rovers played to a 1-all draw against FC AK at Buffalo City Stadium.