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Tlotlo Leepile of TTM concentrates on the high ball.

Leopards and TTM in stalemate

 

The much-talked-about NFD Vhembe derby between Black Leopards and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), which was played at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Saturday, ended in a goalless draw. The result was not a true reflection of the game as it was characterized by countless obvious scoring opportunities.

Both sides managed to display entertaining football, but their goal poachers let them down by fumbling at the goal finish. TTM were the first to disappoint their supporters. Their highly skilled midfielder, Alton Kapinga, caused an upset six minutes into the game. He beat three of Leopards’ defenders in a row and hesitated for far too long to unleash and lost possession.

The referee, Mr Thando Ndzandeka, was prompted to reprimand TTM’s dribbling wizard, Mpambaniso Monde, with a card in the 18th minute. Monde took a dive within the penalty area to buy the referee’s favour, but the whistleman was not impressed.

Leopards took the game to their opponents towards the end of the first half. TTM’s keeper, Bongani Manavhela, denied Leopards a sure goal in the 37th minute. Leopards' right winger, Xolani Ndlovu, tried his luck from the edge of the box with a half volley. Manavhela braved the shot and palmed the ball away for a corner kick.

TTM effected the first change to their line-up three minutes into the second half.  They introduced Tlotlo Leepile and sacrificed Bongani Nyathi. Leopards responded by replacing Karabo Tsepe with Ivan Mahangwahaya.

Marks Munyai, the Leopards’ overlapping right back, was warned with a card for obstructing Mpambaniso Monde in the 70th minute. Lidoda Duvha were unstoppable in the last 15 minutes of the game, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of TTM.

Sport - Date: 19 October 2017

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Frank Motebejane of TTM (falling) hinders Marks Munyai of Leopards from reaching the ball.

Lesvin Stoffels of TTM (right) and Mwape Musonda of Leopards chase the ball.

Football is about making friends. The teams’ captains, Marks Munyai (left) and David Mathebula of TTM, pose for a photo after the game.

 

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Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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