Posted on April 24, 2012 12:37
AmaZulu beat Lamontville Golden Arrows in the local derby courtesy of a goal by Zimbabwean centre back, Carlington Nyadombo. He headed the ball in at the far post after his central defensive partner; Bukasa Kasonga had set up the opportunity.
The boys in green and white took home the bragging rights having defeated Abafana Bes’thende in both home and away fixtures in the league. Having had the appetizer I watched in awe as Barcelona played Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. The best footballing side in the world passed the ball around as only they can do. Lionel Messi displayed his marvellous balance, skill and talent as he set up chance after chance for his fellow teammates.
Chelsea held firm as Didier Drogba scored when he calmly side footed the ball past the outstretched Barcelona goal keeper, Victor Valdes. The London side set up their defensive lines and forced the Catalonian team to play the ball out wide inviting the crosses to come in, which John Terry and co-defenders dealt with comfortably. Can Chelsea hold out for another 90 minutes? As much as I admire their tenacity, heart and skill, I think Messi and co will be just too much for them in the second leg at the huge Camp Nou Stadium.
The trip to Giyani is a three day Safari. Roger Palmgren and his talented AmaZulu headed to the Lowveld where they played against an improved Black Leopards team. Giyani is famous for its Masonja worms. This delicacy is equivalent to KZN’s hot Bunny Chow and the Usuthu proved to be too hot to handle. In steamy conditions the 1-1 score line was a fair reflection of the game up to half time. The second half saw AmaZulu score three goals to win the match 4-1 in the end. There are always defining moments in any game and it came when in form goal keeper and captain, Tapuwa Kapini produced a magnificent left handed save to turn a powerful shot around the upright.
This brilliant piece of goal keeping kept the Usuthu in front. Had this gone in it would have been 2-2 and it would have been game on. To cap the weekend’s results it was all positive for the KZN based teams as Lamontville Golden Arrows defeated Jomo Cosmos 3-1. Maritzburg United showed their fighting qualities when they beat championship contenders Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0. In hindsight it was a brave decision to move their matches against Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic to Nelson Mandela Bay, in Port Elizabeth. The money incentive plus the result have proved it to be a success.
On Saturday night the football world stood still as Barcelona (Lionel Messi) played Real Madrid (Cristiano Ronaldo) in an intense and possible Spanish La Liga championship decider. Both superstars have their supporters as to who is the best player of their era. For the second game in a row Barcelona lost a match they should have won. The good looking Cristiano Ronaldo put the Catalans to the sword when he slipped past a diving Victor Valdes, steadied himself and stroked the ball home. Fabulous football, marvellousa players: It was a treat to watch.