3 December 2019 – The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) important third-tier ABC Motsepe League has delivered some intriguing battles in the first third of the competition, none more so than in the Northern Cape province.
Traditionally a region that doesn’t enjoy the glamour and limelight of the likes of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the league is proving to be one of the more hotly contested in years as individual stars aim to make their mark in an ultra-competitive modern environment.
The past weekend saw eight enticing fixtures taking place, producing an array of silky skills, goals, drama and professional match-officiating.
The first of Saturday’s seven matches took place at the AR Abass Stadium between hosts Colville United and Kuruman Kicks, with the visiting team succumbing to a mammoth 5-1 loss. Colville moved into mid-table while the wounded Kicks remain in 13th.
Magareng Young Stars FC then welcomed relegation-threatened Khumalo Chiefs to Warrenton High School in a 15h00 kick-off. What was to follow was a tense 1-1 draw with both teams desperate to hold on to a point. Both clubs remain in the bottom four with Chiefs at the foot of the table on goal difference.
Kakamas Juventus then travelled to Maruping United in yet another 1-1 draw. Neither team gave much away in this stalemate and both teams will be targeting their next game for a possible three points.
NC Professionals FC then thrashed United Rovers 4-0 at their much-vaunted home fortress (Ditloung Stadium). It was a clinical performance from the team sitting in second position on the log table as their rivals languish in 15th spot.
There was a rare away victory for Tornado FC at Rasta Fa Eagles FC’s Newtown Stadium. Tornado opened the scoring and immediately went after the vital insurance goal which they richly deserved after waves of attacking phases. The visitors consolidated third position with their impressive win.
In a late kick-off, AR Abass Stadium was then witness to an intense 0-0 goalless draw between N.C. Liverpool and Hungry Lions FC with both teams showcasing their brilliant defensive tactics, which is what you would expect from clubs occupying top five positions.
Ditloung Stadium then played host to Olifantshoek Young Stars FC who proceeded to edge Tsantsabane Stars by 2 goals to nil. Stars now sit in 7th spot and will be gunning for top four in the coming weeks.
Sunday’s only fixture saw Mainstay United failing to take advantage of home comforts as they went down fighting to table-toppers Kakamas Sundowns in a 4-2 score line at Mxolisi Jacobs Stadium. Downs now have seven wins from eleven completed games for a total of 23 points and a healthy goal difference of +9 but United and their coach can be proud of their achievements.