An uninspired Mthatha Bucks finished their 2015/16 National First Division campaign on a disappointing note with a 3-1 defeat to Royal Eagles at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg yesterday.
Eagles were the better side by all accounts but they were aided by a listless display from a Bucks side that had nothing to play for.
Eagles were also out of promotion/relegation running but decided to put on a decent display for their fans.
While Eagles’ first goal was well executed, the two second-half goals summed up Bucks’ lackadaisical attitude in defence with careless mistakes at crucial stages.
With their National First Division status secured, it was always going to be difficult for Eddie Dyaloyi’s side to find any semblance of intensity, so it came as no surprise when Eagles took the lead when centreback Junior Sekete nodded in Maselaelo Seanego’s delightful freekick in the 16th minute.
Bucks also had a close escape when Sandile Kubeka’s 25th minute snapshot came off the bar. The build-up with Sihle Mtule and Sedwyn George combining for neat one-twos, was spellbinding and Bucks were reduced to mere onfield spectators.
While they still trailed in the possession and territory stakes, Bucks made a better fist of things in the second half and cut down the space they offered generously in the first half. Chances were few and far between but when they came, Bucks capitalised and Petrus Ngebo’s 63rd minute finish was classy.
Having collected the ball from a defensive error, Ngebo sprinted clear and his curled sidefooter gave Eagles goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo no chance. But all that hard work was undone three minutes later when Luvo Nkala inexplicably dived over Wandisile Fukuthwa’s back pass and gave Eagles the lead.
Two goals soon became three in the 81st minute when George’s grasscutter from just outside the box was too good for Nkala. Just to add insult to injury, Ngebo was given his marching orders for dissent in referee’s optional time.
Eagles soar in lacklustre finish for Bucks
Eagles were the better side by all accounts but they were aided by a listless display from a Bucks side that had nothing to play for.
Eagles were also out of promotion/relegation running but decided to put on a decent display for their fans.
While Eagles’ first goal was well executed, the two second-half goals summed up Bucks’ lackadaisical attitude in defence with careless mistakes at crucial stages.
With their National First Division status secured, it was always going to be difficult for Eddie Dyaloyi’s side to find any semblance of intensity, so it came as no surprise when Eagles took the lead when centreback Junior Sekete nodded in Maselaelo Seanego’s delightful freekick in the 16th minute.
Bucks also had a close escape when Sandile Kubeka’s 25th minute snapshot came off the bar. The build-up with Sihle Mtule and Sedwyn George combining for neat one-twos, was spellbinding and Bucks were reduced to mere onfield spectators.
While they still trailed in the possession and territory stakes, Bucks made a better fist of things in the second half and cut down the space they offered generously in the first half. Chances were few and far between but when they came, Bucks capitalised and Petrus Ngebo’s 63rd minute finish was classy.
Having collected the ball from a defensive error, Ngebo sprinted clear and his curled sidefooter gave Eagles goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo no chance. But all that hard work was undone three minutes later when Luvo Nkala inexplicably dived over Wandisile Fukuthwa’s back pass and gave Eagles the lead.
Two goals soon became three in the 81st minute when George’s grasscutter from just outside the box was too good for Nkala. Just to add insult to injury, Ngebo was given his marching orders for dissent in referee’s optional time.
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