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.