Black Cats register maximum points at home

FOOTBALL NEWS - The Lawaaikamp side Black Cats FC collected maximum points when they beat Benfica 3-0 in an entertaining Safa third-division league game on Saturday 12 November. The game was played at the Lawaaikamp Stadium.

The goals were netted by Black Cats players Xolani Mandla, Viwe "Mr Cool" Mawindi and Mivuyo "Shandu" Ngubo.

The visitors were playing against a strong wind in the first half. This allowed Black Cats to control the game while Benfica were mostly confined to their own territory.

The home team built combination passes from the centre of the field using the strength of Mzwanele Jwaqa and Banele Keswa, led by their hard-working captain, Solani Mandla, who created chances for his team and kept the opposition's defenders on the back foot.

Despite the strength of their opposition, Benfica players Malwande Mhlakaza and Bathandwa Sonandi displayed good touches, and towards the end of the first half Ayabulela Stuurman impressed with attacking play.

On the home side, the evergreen Melisizwe Mbomvana had a good game giving Benfica's defenders a difficult time and Melisizwe Mbomvana used his speed effectively against Benfica's back line.

Xolani Mandla of Black Cats opened the score. Their second goal originated from a set piece where Viwe Mawindi scored with a beautiful header. Black Cats were leading 2-0 into the break.

The start of the second half saw the visitors trying to break the solid defence of Black Cats with strong attacks from the flanks, but the Lawaaikamp boys remained confident, controlling the game.

The highlights of the second half included a solo attempt by Aviwe Ntwanambi of Benfica that was denied by Black Cats goalkeeper Aphelo Skiet and an impressive shot into the box by Mthembu Mandla, which was cleared away by Benfica defender Olwethu Nathibedi.

Mivuyo Ngubo netted Black Cats' third goal after a strong attack from the left side of the field. Black Cats offensive player Amimu Hussein was sent off with a red card, leaving Balck Cats with only nine men. Benfica however could not capitalise on this and failed to put any score on the board.