On Sunday, Ilinge-based team Young Minds FC made a serious statement about their intention to challenge for the playoffs by beating log leaders Seven Stars in a regional soccer league fixture at the Dumpy Adams stadium.
Rivalry has been simmering between the two teams since they were involved in the Gwede Mantashe Tournament final in December.
Young Minds were winners in that game, beating the Stars 1-0. It seemed history was to repeat itself, a solitary goal being the difference.
Seven Stars started aggressively and looked more dangerous. A foul outside the 18, however, proved to be their undoing.
The kick was taken by Yamkela Phapu and was headed into the net by Thulani Thozamile.
The game was a tense affair throughout the half, both teams having shots at the target, but none were converted.
The game would end on an even more dramatic note, with the team’s top scorer Shaydon Rowland squandering three chances that would have been goals on any other day, minutes before the final whistle.
Seven Stars coach, Willie Kepkey put the loss down to nerves, saying perhaps his team still had a hang-up about the December final. “The game was very tight in both halves. The boys were too nervous about this game, there was too much pressure for them.”
Young Minds coach, Siya Yiweni said it was about taking the chances. “It was tough. They are a good team. We took our chance and that is all it came down to.”
Stars are still number one, but a point now separates them from Young Minds, who still have a game in hand.
