Smuts go top of Domestic, FC are second in region

KNYSNA NEWS - Smuts United have reclaimed top spot in the KLFA Domestic League thanks to a decisive win on home turf last weekend, while FC United remain in second place of the Safa Eden Men's Regional League after a win and a draw.

Going into the weekend with four points separating FC United and first-placed Simunye, the Knysna outfit needed to claim two victories to supersede the George side at the summit of the regional log.

However, they knew it would not be an easy task as they would have to face Simunye themselves.

PHOTO GALLERY: Smuts top of domestic

Safa Eden Men's Regional League

Knysna clubs FC United and CX Celtics welcomed George sides United Brothers and Simunye to Knysna on Saturday 2 April, with two fixtures each lying in wait against both of the visiting teams from George.

FC United faced United Brothers first at Loerie Park, and after a tough game managed to win 3-0 thanks to a strong second-half display.

CX Celtics, however, lost 2-1 to Simunye, despite carrying a 1-0 lead into the final quarter of the game.

In the reverse fixtures later in the day, both played at the Hornlee Sports Grounds, Celtics shook off their stumble in the first game and beat United Brothers 3-1.

Much to the dismay of local fans, the gap between FC United and Simunye widened as the latter emerged the victors with 2-0 to go seven points clear at the summit.

FC United dropped to third place and CX Celtics stayed in fifth place after the weekend's games.

KLFA Domestic League

On a local level, Young Stars' reign at the top of the Knysna Local Football Association (KLFA) Domestic League was short-lived.

They took over first place from Pine Stars last week, but Smuts United could overtake them if they dropped points.

This exact scenario played out as Young Stars drew 1-1 with Young Boys and Smuts United beat United Brothers (no relation to the side of the same name in the regional league) 5-0.

The win sees Smuts United return to top spot while Young Stars drop to second place.

CX Celtics' plays a through ball to a teammate.

Pine Stars stay in third place despite a 5-3 loss against La Liga, who stayed in fourth place with the gap between them and Pine Stars reduced to one point.

KLFA Super League

In the second division of the KLFA club soccer structures, Young Brothers went into the weekend hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table from one point to at least four points. They were lined up against seventh-placed JR Stars in the second Super League fixture of the weekend, played in Hornlee on Saturday.

The log leaders achieved what they were hoping to and gave JR Stars a five-star show to earn three points with a 5-0 win. Second-placed FC Rebels B faced Warriors in Hornlee on Sunday, and could only manage a draw. This means Young Brothers go three points ahead at the summit of the table.

Pine Stars B climbed into third courtesy of a walk-over win against Young Strikers and Future Stars dropped to fourth place after a loss against Southern Stars.

La Liga players Kantolo Denny and Thembo Andy (black and yellow) clash while going for the ball while Pine Stars' Leeroy Douw (far right) steps back. Photos: Blake Linder