Mkhulu Mashau
Two quick goals in the first half and another late in the second half were enough to secure Orlando United a hard earned 3-2 win against gutsy Diepkloof Dreams in a Soweto Football Association’s (SFA) Stream D match at Powerpark at the weekend.
United played with purpose and were always first on the ball during the first half which was conducted at a fast pace. Dreams seemed bemused as they tried in vain to slow down their opponents.
Seven minutes into the first half United striker Sizwe Dube received a pass from Tebogo Sesa, dribbled past three defenders and slammed home United’s first goal, leaving goalkeeper Tshepo Mzinyane sprawled on the ground.
Nine minutes later, Dube’s combination with Zwelakhe Nconco provided Sesa an opportunity to double his team’s lead.
But Dreams finally started to match United towards the end of the first half and it was only a matter of time before they pulled one back.
Dreams were eventually rewar-ded with a beautiful goal from the boot of Tshepiso Mthimkhulu to see the score read 2-1 at interval.
The second half was a ding-dong battle until a defensive error cost Dreams dearly. Instead of clearing the ball from their danger zone, the defence panicked and gave the ball away to a running Nconco who gave United their third, and ultimately decisive goal.
Dreams remained consistent and kept on firing on all cylinders until Khumalo scored his team’s second goal.
It was a game which left fans stunned and happy at the way in which both teams used the ball.
Dreams coach Tshegofatso Sikwane bemoaned the absence of eight senior players.
“They failed to turn up and did not even bother to give reasons. I take my hat off to the Under-15 players who were at hand to replace their senior counterparts in desperate situations. There’s no discipline,” said Sikwane.
His United counterpart David Senne was ecstatic.
“I am happy at the way we are playing after struggling initially,” he said.
Elsewhere, Freedom Park Brothers suffered their first defeat at home losing 1-0 to on form Soweto Police in a Stream D match.
Other SFA results: Grace Bible Church 5 Seven Stars 0, Cosmo Stars 1 Senaoane Real City 3, Alpha Diepkloof 5 Rockville Romans 1, Future Stars 6 Sakhumzi 0, Sea Robbers 1 Sancho Rangers 0, Naledi United 3 Bennet Super Strikers 2, Dlamini United Brains 1 Dlamini Super Spurs 1, Protea Hill Stars Woodpeckers 2