adminRONALD PFUMBIDZAI scored his first South Africa Premiership goal in THREE years to help Chippa United settle for a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United yesterday.
The Warrior’s last goal had come in 2019 when he was still a member of the Bloemfontein Celtic side.
He thrust the Chilli Boys into the lead yesterday in a game which had considerable Zimbabwean influence.
The wingback judged his jump perfectly and connected the ball with his head to beat the ‘keeper.
The game also marked the first time Zimbabwean defender, Onismor Bhasera walked onto the pitch, as the SuperSport United captain.
New signing Thulani Hlatshwayo made his debut for SuperSport who had Bradley Grobler back from a long injury lay-off, while new Chippa coach Daine Klate gave Brooklyn Poggenpoel a debut too.
The Gqeberha-based outfit were first out of the starting blocks where Pfumbidzai attacked Siphelele Luthuli’s curling free-kick minutes after kick-off and headed home.
SuperSport were close to an equaliser when Iqraam Rayners scooped a loose pass from a rebounded effort by striker Grobler off the top of the woodwork.
Captain Bhasera was stretchered off following a coming-together and had Luke Fleurs brought on in his place late in the half.
The host weren’t starved off chances nor forays towards target, as Rayners hurriedly fired Jamie Webber’s low pass from the midfield well beyond Lloyd Kazapua.
SuperSport pulled out a double change after halftime in debutant Thabang Sibanyoni for Jesse Donn and Thalente Mbatha was thrown on for Webber.
The Chilli Boys were under pressure a little bit in the second half and allowed the hosts a few openings which Grobler, Rayners and substitute Mbatha squandered.
Matsatsantsa didn’t stop pushing and found their reward midway through the second period when Grobler thumped in a reverse pass from close-range after Chippa failed to clear a loose ball. – Sports Reporter/KickOff.com
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter