Vital points dropped by Bucks in 1-1 draw

“It was a lovely draw,” the late former Kaizer Chiefs midfield maestro Shakes Kungwane used to famously say.

This could have been the perfect description to what went down at the Mthatha Stadium at the weekend, when Mthatha Bucks played to a 1-1 draw with FC Cape Town.

But the question would be: A lovely draw for whom?

Obviously for the visitors, who claimed a point away from home while the home side dropped two crucial points.

This allowed NFD’s rock- bottom side Moroka Swallows to close the gap at the lower end of the log, as they now trail the Mthatha outfit by only three points. Bucks are on 23 points with just four matches left to play in the 2015-16 season.

Bucks could have easily won had they applied pressure on their opponents from the opening whistle, and they now run the risk of staring the relegation axe in the face, should they lose their next match and the Dube Birds win theirs.

Relegation would be disastrous for Eastern Cape football as the club are currently the only side representing the region in the second-tier, with Chippa United the only team participating in the PSL top-flight.

Amathol’amnyama have only themselves to blame for the points they dropped against FC Cape Town. Their approach has been reactive rather than proactive, reflected by the fact that they only started attacking when they were one goal down.

The Bucks’ showing in the second stanza was in direct contrast with that of the opening half, when they were constantly on the back-foot.

Opposition skipper Eden Nene banged the ball into the back of the net to take the lead in the 43rd minute, thanks to sloppy defending by the home side. But Bucks’ consistent refrain that might lead to their demise in the NFD, that of “so close yet so far” is starting to sound like a scratched CD.

The NFD rookies from across the Kei sometimes play some of the best football in the league, their only downfall being lack of goals.

In fact, FC Cape Town coach John Ferreira sang Bucks’ praises: “I was very impressed by Bucks and I strongly believe they are under-achieving for a side playing such good football with such quality players.

“They should be getting maximum points at home and their position on the log does not make sense when one looks at the type of football they play”.

Ferreira said Bucks were a quality side and with time could contend for championship honours next season – should they survive.

Bucks mentor Velile Dyaloyi said his side would soldier on. “I like the fighting spirit because honestly we were losing this one but we managed a draw. Now going forward to our next game against Cape Town All Stars, attack will be vital because we need to win the remaining games.”

At the weekend, Bucks were chasing shadows in the first half, struggling to handle the opponents’ quick moves off the ball and accurate passing. This led to Nene’s strike that put the visitors in front just before the half-time break.

However, at the restart, the home side came out guns blazing in search of the equaliser with desperate attempts on goal failing to materialise in the final third.

But Bucks were finally rewarded, when Ranthabane Mashale flicked on for Petrus Ngebo who tapped home the equaliser in the final minute of the game, sending the home crowd who packed the venue to capacity into outrageous celebrations. — zingisam@dispatch.co.za