Kholisa Sonjica, hat-trick hero

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Local side Oriented Birds FC, only in their second season in the semi-professional division, are keeping their hopes alive of ending the 2024/25 season in the top four spots on the log.

On Saturday afternoon, 12 April, Oriented Birds defeated Salim United 3-0 in a thrilling Safa Western Cape ABC Motsepe Provincial League at Kwanokuthula Stadium.

Kholisa "Ntsebe" Sonjica netted the three goals for Oriented Birds.

Dropping crucial points

With 32 points, the Birds are fighting for the top four positions in the stream B log table, after dropping crucial points in the second leg of the provincial league.

With two games remaining, the Birds have played 19 games with nine victories, three draws and seven defeats.

Salim United, from the Overberg region, are currently second last at the bottom of the table in stream B.

Fighting as a team

The home side started the game at a high tempo, encouraged by their supporter base.

Salim United tried their best to defend against the offensive play from Oriented Birds flanks. The Yellow Marines boys (Oriented Birds) fought as team from the onset of the game.

The experienced forward Kholisa Sonjica scored his brace in the first 45 minutes, putting his team in the lead. The first half ended 2-0 with the Overberg Region team trailing into the break.

Great touches

The second half saw both teams looking very sharp, with the home team making the best of their ball skills.

Salim United were working overtime blocking Oriented Birds' wingers. Sonjica extended their lead to 3-0, beating the Salim United goalkeeper with a powerful shot.

The Birds kept on pressing, rolling the ball on the ground and trying to get more chances into the box, but failed to convert their further opportunities.

After the game

Kholisa Sonjica of Oriented Birds told the Knysna-Plett Herald that it was great to score three goals and he was very happy about it.

However, he said, it wouldn't have been possible without the support from his teammates and the management of the team.

He said the previous week has been very hard for him after he lost his aunt, Nomawabo Buqa, who was a big fan.

He has dedicated his goals to her. He said the 2024/25 season has been interesting. They have faced many challenges along the way, but as a team they remained positive and hungry for more.