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The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
TS Galaxy Academy dominate Hotspurs in title chase at Halls Sports Ground
TS Galaxy Academy defeated Mataffin Hotspurs FC 3-0 at Halls Sports Ground last Wednesday, July 9. The young Rockets came into the match hungry for victory as they continue to chase the league title, while Hotspurs were hoping to secure a spot in the top eight. In a thrilling youth football encounter, TS Galaxy Academy came out attacking from the first whistle. Their aggressive start paid off early, with midfielder Siyanda Xulu opening the scoring in the seventh minute. The visitors continued to dominate, denying the home side any real chance to progress into the Rockets' half. Galaxy's defence proved unrelenting, shutting down Hotspurs' attempts to find an equaliser. Hotspurs briefly pushed forward in the 14th minute, managing to play in the opposition's half, but they failed to capitalise on their presence inside the 18-yard box. In their push for a second goal, the Rockets were flagged offside three times in under five minutes. But their pressure soon paid off when Hotspurs lost control in midfield, and Mbuso Makhubela punished them with a clinical second goal in the 22nd minute. Hotspurs' frustration showed when Mxondisi Mdhluli received the first yellow card of the match in the 34th minute for a foul on Xulu. ALSO READ: Fortune and Easthigh to replay Engen Cup final after abandoned shoot-out The match turned increasingly physical, with Karabo Mpangane picking up another booking for Hotspurs in the 41st minute after a reckless tackle on Terry Palmer. TS Galaxy Academy went into the break leading 2-0. The second half opened with Aphelele Kubheka receiving the Rockets' first yellow card in the 49th minute. Hotspurs continued to push for a goal, but Galaxy's defensive structure remained intact. For ten minutes, the Rockets dominated possession and launched several attacks, forcing set pieces just outside the Hotspurs' box. In the 71st minute, Hotspurs finally had a shot on goal, but goalkeeper Clarrel Ndlovu was quick to deny them. ALSO READ: Delayed but determined: Safa Ehlanzeni U20 League to continue until mid-July The Rockets sealed the win in the 83rd minute when Zamokuhle Khumalo netted their third goal, breaking through a tiring Hotspurs defence. With two minutes remaining, Luyanda Ngutshani of TS Galaxy Academy was booked for unsporting behaviour, but it did little to take the shine off a dominant performance. The match ended 3-0 after regular time. Mataffin Hotspurs now sit in ninth place with 18 points from 19 games, while TS Galaxy Academy remain third with 37 points from 18 fixtures. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Easthigh girls' soccer advances to the next stage of Engen Cup
Easthigh girls' soccer advances to the next stage of Engen Cup Easthigh Ladies Academy defeated Super Strikers FC on penalties in the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge, dubbed the Engen Cup, in the U18 women's football Mbombela stream. The teams played to a 0-0 draw, but Easthigh won 4-2 on penalties at Lowveld High School sports ground on Saturday, June 28. Strikers defeated Crystal Lake Ladies and Easthigh Academy won against Butterfly Ladies earlier in the day. In a thrilling display of grassroot soccer, both Easthigh Ladies and Super Strikers played well. Easthigh's defence was tested by a shot on target from Super Strikers' Naledi Nkosi in the 11th minute. Strikers continued to look for the opening goal using their right winger, Dimakatso Rakolle, but Easthigh defender, Whitney Havene, made sure that Rakolle did not succeed. Late in the first half, Easthigh bounced back by creating opportunities, but failed to score. In the 44th minute, Gift Shabangu of Super Strikers hit the woodwork from just outside the box after teammate Banele Fakude of Super Strikers was fouled by Khethiwe Mthombeni. ALSO READ: UMP raises Mpumalanga flag at university sports games The second half started with intense play from both teams. Easthigh attacked directly in attempts to score a goal, while Strikers used their wingers, Shabangu and Rakolle, to attack and were rewarded with numerous corner kicks. In the 71st minute, Kamogelo Marogo of Easthigh missed a long-range shot. Marogo was fouled in the box in the 79th minute after a corner kick, but the referee, Siphephelo Mlotha, denied them a penalty. Mlotha awarded a red card to a member of Super Strikers' technical team, Njabulo Nkosi, for using unsporting language in the 85th minute of the game. Easthigh Ladies advanced to the next stage of the knockout cup. The U17 boys games took place at the Valencia Sports Complex and St Mark's International School sports grounds. The results of the Mbombela stream were: • Mpumalanga School of Excellence 4-1 TS Galaxy Academy • TS Matsulu 0-3 Sinani FC • Junior Spurs FC 0(1)-0(2) FC Thando • Black Medal FC 0-2 Black Pain • Mataffin Hot Spurs 1-4 Easthigh Academy • Fortune Academy 1(4)-1(2) Barberton Academy • Mthimba FA 2-0 Game United. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Men's Conference encourages leadership The 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge comprises of three streams – Mbombela, Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge. The top eight teams remaining in each stream will compete against one another. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
‘Sundowns can bring back Rulani Mokwena'
Mamelodi Sundowns have marked a powerful impression on the legendary Junior Khanye. According to the ever-outspoken Khanye, Kabo Yellow, who lifted a record eighth league title in a row last weekend, can go on to win 12 titles on the bounce. 'For me, I guarantee 12 you can even write it down I guarantee 12 titles,' said Khanye via iDiski Times . Should the current Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso fail to deliver on his targets, Khanye believes Sundowns could easily re-appoint the great Rulani Mokwena. 'It's not easy to break the structure also because of the length of Miguel Cardoso's contract; I think it's three years, if I'm not mistaken. I can assure you that Rulani Mokoena, if he doesn't go to another team, he'll come back because I don't think they'll bring somebody who doesn't understand the club; that person won't last,' Khanye added. 'They don't have time [to waste] they've invested a lot in football. They won't wait for a coach to be escorted by a truck from the pitch. They only bring someone who adds value. They will give you games to prove yourself. 'Also, credit to the Director for bringing in former players that have done well in their careers the likes of Teko Modise, Tiyani Mabunda, Hlompho Kekana even Katlego Mahoota [Mashego] is also visible there and the list goes on. 'Their development is also strong and by development I'm referring to their U18 side that won the Engen Cup two years ago. If you see those players, you'll be shocked so yes, I'm saying 12 years because of their solid structure. 'It won't be easy for someone to break that structure at Sundowns. If Cardoso doesn't win the Champions League maybe they'll release him and bring someone else who will be released if he doesn't well in five games. They do the right things and get themselves in the right spaces,' the former Kaizer Chiefs winger concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
