Nkowankowa Continental player goes down under pressure from a Tzaneen United opponent during their ABC Motsepe League derby clash at Nkowankowa Stadium on Saturday. Tzaneen United won the match 3–1. Photo: Mave Pixels
By: Refilwe Sebola
Tzaneen United produced a commanding performance to defeat arch rivals Nkowankowa Continental 3–1 in a thrilling Tzaneen derby played on Saturday afternoon, boosting their ABC Motsepe League Stream A title ambitions.
It was the second time this season that United beat Continental by the same scoreline, having recorded a 3–1 victory in the first round. The win came at a crucial time for Tzaneen United following a recent 2-1 setback in the hands of The Dolphins that threatened to dent their championship challenge.
Trailing log leaders Mpheni Defenders by six points going into the match, United needed a strong response and delivered just that.
The club had earlier made decisive changes to their technical team, appointing Sonnyboy Zitha as head coach with Moses “Pokker” Malatji as his assistant. The duo made an immediate impact, guiding the team to an impressive derby victory in their first match in charge.
Continental, battling relegation, showed great fight and took the lead through a first-half penalty. However, Tzaneen quickly restored parity ten minutes later before turning up the pressure in the second half. Two late goals, following lapses in concentration by Continental, sealed a deserved 3–1 win for the home side.
Former Continental player Williams “Wicho” Bopape starred against his former club, scoring once and providing an assist in a standout performance.
The result narrows the gap between Tzaneen United and log leaders Mpheni Defenders to just five points after Mpheni were held to a goalless draw by Vondwe XI Bullets. Continental remain rooted at the bottom of the table with only two points from ten matches.
ABC Motsepe League – Stream A Results
Vondwe XI Bullets 0 – 0 Mpheni Defenders
Tshakhuma TM 1 – 1 Mukondeni Young Chiefs
Tzaneen United 3 – 1 Nkowankowa Continental
Selwana White Vultures 2 – 1 Lebash Academy
Musina United 1 – 1 Baduzah Celtics