Platinum Stars Stop Swallows
Platinum Stars moved clear of the relegation zone while dropping Moroka Swallows into the dreaded drop area thanks to a 1-0 Absa Premiership victory at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday. In the 16th minute a header by Eleazar Rodgers missed to the right as the hosts pushed for an opener. Vuyo Mere was given a free kick after he was fouled by Siyabonga Nomvethe.
The former Bafana Bafana striker was then penalised for a handball. A shot by Mere went wide off the post as Dikwena just could not find a way through. Philani Cele also took a shot but his effort missed to the left of the goals.
Lerato Chabangu took a shot for the Dube Birds in the 38th minute but missed to the left. Mduduzi Nyanda took a corner which found Rofiwa Tshikovhi but his header went over the bar. Just when it looked destined for a goalless half, an unexpected opening in the 43rd minute arrived when Rudi Isaacs conceded an own goal.
This put Stars in a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half. The second half began with the teams in search of more goals but for differing reasons. Chabangu was awarded a free kick after he was fouled by Punch Masenamela but nothing came of it.
Mthokozisi Yende had a chance to take a shot at goal but Tshikovhi blocked his attempt. A free kick was awarded for a foul by Tintswalo Tshabalala on Dikgang Mabalane but Mere cleared the shot from Mabalane took the shot as the match ended in a crucial win for Allan Freese’s side while Maswaiswai are second from bottom.