PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - High-flying Oriented Birds registered a well deserved 1-0 victory against Ubuntu Spartans FC in a tough Western Cape ABC Motsepe Provincial League encounter on Saturday 15 February in the Bird's back yard, Kwanokuthula Stadium.
The evergreen Khanyisani "Mashesha" Radebe, the captain of the Birds, netted the winning goal.
Moving up
With 24 points, the Birds are in second position and are aiming for the top spot in Western Cape ABC Motsepe stream B.
They have played 12 games, winning seven, drawing three and losing two.
Central Karoo Region's Ubuntu Spartans, of Beaufort West, are at the bottom of the log table, with eight points.
Classic performance
In the game, Spartans goalkeeper Likhanyiso Ngutyana (21) delivered a classic performance, denying the Birds clear-cut opportunities.
Khanyisani 'Mashesha' Radebe, the captain of Oriented Birds, with two of Birds chairman Zitho Lawrence Tyontwana's children, Mihle Tyontwana (6), left, and Nazi Tyontwana (4). Radebe struck the winning goal.
The visitors started the fixture at a high tempo, orchestrating offensive play from the centre of the field.
Taking control
The Birds then took control of the game, using the strength of Thabiso "Mashumi" Minana and Radebe, supported by Siyanda Madlala.
They received a corner kick, but their shot was well defended by the Spartans back line.
Zinedine Dolf of Spartans looked very dangerous on the ball - creating more chances for his side.
Both teams played an enterprising style of football in their search for an opening goal.
Radebe attacks
After an evenly balanced, goalless first half, the Birds started the second half at a fast pace.
Radebe launched an attack on the right side of the field, but was unable to break through the Spartans defenders.
Spartans responded with a positive move from the centre of the field, but they failed to convert a clear-cut chance.
The Birds then displayed great touches, opening spaces on the right side of the field - and Rabebe scored.
Shot goes wide
After Spartans had chased the game the Birds' Abonga Matthews tried his luck from the right corner, his powerful shot going wide.
Birds put pressure on Spartans' back line, and their skipper Irvin George cleared a dangerous ball.
Following a malicious tackle inside the box by the Spartans' back line, Kholiso Sonjica's shot from the penalty spot was saved by Ngutyana - during the last minutes of the game.
'Great feeling'
Radebe told the Knysna-Plett Herald that winning their first home game in 2025 was "a great feeling, and as a team we needed it - to bring more in our home league games".
He emphasised that they wanted to win their home matches to please their many supporters.
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