Siyabangena Siyabahlaba! As their slogan suggests, Highlands Park had a superb weekend after triumphing over Chippa United this past Saturday. The Lions of the north came in better form following their defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns last week which saw them losing by 1-0.
Playing on home ground, at Makhulong Stadium, in Tembisa coach Owen da Gama made two crucial substitutions that proved fruitful throughout the match. Although the stadium wasn’t packed to capacity the electricity on the field was enough to light up a neighbourhood befriended by Eskom.
Tendai Ndoro and Reneilwe Letsholonyane were called up and didn’t disappoint when the former created an opportunity for team member Sphiwe Msimango who did not hesitate when he introduced the ball to the back of the net. Chippa’s defense experienced a bit of confusion early in the first half when Ndoro aimed for a goal but the ball ended up being deflected, by goalkeeper Amour Tignyemb, into Msimango’s direction which proved fateful for the Chilli Boys.
Pandemonium started setting in with spectators celebrating, on the stands, and their team doing a celebratory dance on the field. More shots on target were still to come.
With Highlands Park’s first goal scored within the first 20 minutes the tone was already set for the rest of the match. A second attempt from Peter Shalulile, after Midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane made a stunning cross, landed on his foot and found the back of net but the strike was flagged off as an offside.
This offside did not deter the Lions as they appeared to utilize almost every opportunity that came their way.Bothteams’ defense was strong and impregnable but the Chilliboys dropped the ball (pun intended) when they allowed Ndoro to score Highlands Park’s second goal in the 67thminute.
The Lions of the north were oozing confidence at this point and an uproar of excitement came from the stands, once again, as Ndoro attempted to score another goal, clearly seeking a brace, but slightly missed his target when the ball struck the crossbar.
The Lions of the north concluded the match with a 2-0 victory and moving up to fourth position on the Absa Premiership log. Chippa United remain at the bottom of the log with this match being their fifth loss since the league started.
