Goalkeeper saves the day for Mulodi Fighters

By Victor Mukwevho

Mulodi Freedom Fighters’ goalkeeper, Malakia Mabeba, saved two brilliant goalbound volleys to help his team beat Berea FC in an entertaining SAFA Vhembe SAB League match played at Muswodi Grounds on Saturday afternoon.

The once invincible Berea FC have relocated from Zwigodini village to Mulodi village, making the game a very entertaining derby. Both teams started the game at a fast pace, trying to attack each other through the wings, but their undoing was trying to walk the ball into the net, instead of shooting from a distance.

In the 15th minute, Fhumulani Nthangeni of Freedom Fighters had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after he was kicked by Berea FC’s striker, Gift

Muvhango. He had to be rushed to a local clinic in pain. Muvhango was lucky not to receive his marching orders for such a bone-crushing tackle.

The scoresheet was still blank at half time.

In the second half, Freedom Fighters started showing signs of fatigue, allowing their opponents to attack them at will, but their defence was rock solid. Berea tried to apply pressure but left themselves exposed at the back.

Freedom Fighters scored their solitary goal after their prolific striker, Khuliso Mafanedza, headed in a fine cross from the left flank to make it 1-0.

In the last 10 minutes of the game, Berea FC camped in their opponent’s danger zone in trying to equalise, but Freedom Fighters held on for dear life.