
BY Obakeng Maje
Goals continued to flow in Polokwane as the 2102 Vodacom League National play-offs entered the third day of competition at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Following the official opening ceremony, held on Wednesday, 4 July 2012, action got under way with Martizburg City and Morester Jeug playing to an exciting two-all (2-2) draw in Group A. Gershwin Titus gave the Northern Cape side a surprise lead before goals from Sabelo Mbenge and Thabani Nkhathini sent Maritzburg into a half-time lead of 2-1. Titus levelled the scores in the second half to earn his side their first point in the tournament.
Local favourites, Baroka FC kept alive their hopes of overhauling group leaders Roses United from the Free State (who had a bye), with a narrow 2-1 victory over Gauteng representatives, Vardos FC.
Vardos’ Lerato Lamola equalised Kubjana Katlego’s opener for Baroka in the first half, but Boy Boy Thomo, with a well-taken second half winner, ensured a happy ending to the day for the hundreds of loyal fans who turned out in support.
In Group B, Soshanguve Sunshine rallied to beat Batau 3-2 in a thriller. Peter Manaso opened the scoring for Batau, but Soshanguve replied with strikes from Ryan Rae and Benjamin Nthete to lead 2-1 at the break. Mfanafuthi Ntozelizwe equalised in the second half for the Mpumalanga regional champions, only for Patrick Mashele to snatch all three points for Soshanguve in the dying minutes of the game.
Milano United from the Western Cape produced a master-class performance to overcome their Eastern Cape opponents, Tornado FC by five goals to one (5-1). A brace from Clinton Emmanuel, and one goal each from Shaun Daniels, Lesvin Stoffels and Yusuf Abrahams moved Milano to within a point of automatic promotion to the National First Division (NFD). They now need only a draw against Soshanguve in their final group stage fixture. Bongithemba Yabo netted for Tornado.
Earlier at the opening ceremony, SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani offered his encouragement to all participants.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for you all strive to reach a higher level. The stage is set for you to seize the day and give your best. I would also like to thank Vodacom for their support of this event over the years, which could not have been as successful without their involvement,” said Nematandani.
Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Councillor Freddy Greaver, warmly welcomed the assembled crowd.
“It is an honour and a privilege to host the 2012 Vodacom League National play-offs here in Polokwane. We trust you will all enjoy the experience as much as we take pleasure in having you with us,” said Councillor Greaver.
Vodacom regional marketing manager for Limpopo, Ishmael Hlomane said: “Thanks to SAFA and the city of Polokwane for their efforts in organising this event so efficiently. We look forward to a nail-biting climax to what has already been an action-packed competition for both players and spectators as we endeavour to give more ‘Power to You’.”
Play will resume at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Thursday (5 July).
Frontrunners Milano United and Soshanguve Sunshine, in the four-team Group B, will face off for automatic promotion to the NFD at 13h00, while Batau and Tornado will clash for consolation.
At 15h00, Maritzburg City will play Roses United while Baroka FC will meet Morester Jeug in Round 4 of Group A, which has five teams and requires an extra round of matches to be completed on Friday (6 July).
The winners of each group will secure promotion to the NFD before playing each other in the final on Sunday, 8 July to determine the 2012 Vodacom League National champions.