Newly-promoted local soccer outfit Mthatha Bucks Football Club made a spectacular comeback from the soccer wilderness despite playing to a 1-1 draw against Cape Town visitors, Vasco Da Gama, in Mthatha over the weekend.
The thirst for top-flight soccer in this neck of the woods was evident after scores of jubilant fans were left disappointed after being turned away from the 5 500-capacity World Cup Mthatha Stadium for failing to buy tickets on time.
Large crowds who were blocked off from entrance gates threatened to jump over the fence, prompting public order police and law enforcement officials from King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality to step in and restore order.
The Cape Town visitors took the lead in the first-half, when striker Jonathan Armogam scored the opening goal after beating the Mthatha Bucks goalkeeper in the 37 minute.
Spurred on by home-ground advantage and their whistling and singing supporters, Mthatha Bucks players dazzled and maintained possession for most of the second half.
This period of dominance resulted in a penalty by striker Nkane Zwane, that levelled matters.
Mthatha Bucks’ recent promotion seems to have boosted chances that the 2010 Soccer World Cup stadium will be completed after a public commitment by politicians attending the event. Among the dignitaries were Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Pemmy Majodina and King Sabata Dalindyebo Mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa.
Premier Soccer League general manager Derek Blanckensee said the football display was “fantastic”. “I haven't seen a game like that in many years. The team (Mthatha Bucks) played very well considering that it was their first match in the NFD. It's very encouraging to see a team from the amateur ranks play so well. The supporters were also very good and the match was well organised,” Blanckensee said.
Vasco Da Gama coach Antonio “Tony” de Nobrega and his players decried what he called “poor” refereeing, which led to his side earning a red card, six yellow cards and a penalty.
Speaking from the change-rooms after the match, De Nobrega described the game as “tough” and the crowds “intimidating”.
“The crowds were always behind them and that helped them to score.
“The officiating was poor because we were not the dirty team. It’s always difficult when you play away games. Nothing changes,” he said.
Mthatha Bucks Chief Operating Officer Doc Tukute said the draw was “good” considering that his players had such a short time to prepare for the game.
“The turnout was marvellous but we have a challenge to educate our supporters to buy tickets early.
“The stadium has a 5 500 capacity so we can't sell more tickets than that because it can lead to a stampede. We appreciate their support and thank the municipality for accommodating us,” he said.
Tukute urged soccer fans to buy tickets on time ahead of their encounter against Black Leopards FC at the same venue on September 12.
Ngqongwa said talks between the province and national government to complete the stadium were gathering steam. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
Bucks show they can do business in NFD
The thirst for top-flight soccer in this neck of the woods was evident after scores of jubilant fans were left disappointed after being turned away from the 5 500-capacity World Cup Mthatha Stadium for failing to buy tickets on time.
Large crowds who were blocked off from entrance gates threatened to jump over the fence, prompting public order police and law enforcement officials from King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality to step in and restore order.
The Cape Town visitors took the lead in the first-half, when striker Jonathan Armogam scored the opening goal after beating the Mthatha Bucks goalkeeper in the 37 minute.
Spurred on by home-ground advantage and their whistling and singing supporters, Mthatha Bucks players dazzled and maintained possession for most of the second half.
This period of dominance resulted in a penalty by striker Nkane Zwane, that levelled matters.
Mthatha Bucks’ recent promotion seems to have boosted chances that the 2010 Soccer World Cup stadium will be completed after a public commitment by politicians attending the event. Among the dignitaries were Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Pemmy Majodina and King Sabata Dalindyebo Mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa.
Premier Soccer League general manager Derek Blanckensee said the football display was “fantastic”. “I haven't seen a game like that in many years. The team (Mthatha Bucks) played very well considering that it was their first match in the NFD. It's very encouraging to see a team from the amateur ranks play so well. The supporters were also very good and the match was well organised,” Blanckensee said.
Vasco Da Gama coach Antonio “Tony” de Nobrega and his players decried what he called “poor” refereeing, which led to his side earning a red card, six yellow cards and a penalty.
Speaking from the change-rooms after the match, De Nobrega described the game as “tough” and the crowds “intimidating”.
“The crowds were always behind them and that helped them to score.
“The officiating was poor because we were not the dirty team. It’s always difficult when you play away games. Nothing changes,” he said.
Mthatha Bucks Chief Operating Officer Doc Tukute said the draw was “good” considering that his players had such a short time to prepare for the game.
“The turnout was marvellous but we have a challenge to educate our supporters to buy tickets early.
“The stadium has a 5 500 capacity so we can't sell more tickets than that because it can lead to a stampede. We appreciate their support and thank the municipality for accommodating us,” he said.
Tukute urged soccer fans to buy tickets on time ahead of their encounter against Black Leopards FC at the same venue on September 12.
Ngqongwa said talks between the province and national government to complete the stadium were gathering steam. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
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