/ 16 December 2004

Mighty Maulers settle for a point

Manning Rangers travelled all the way from Durban hoping for a win and three points against Wits University at Milpark Stadium on Wednesday night.

But the Mighty Maulers had to settle for a point after their one-all draw. Wits remain eighth on the table. It was their eighth draw from 13 games.

Rangers moved to the 10th position after their fourth draw from 14 games.

In fact, the two clubs share the same number of points. They are separated by goal difference.

Wits boast seven goals and have conceded only nine, while Rangers have scored 13 times with 25 goals being scored against them.

Wits took the lead in the 12th minute through Elasto Kapowezha. Stuart Murisa’s attempt shaved the cross bar in the 28th minute.

Wits defender Charles Yoyane was booked for an infringement in the 44th minute.

Concerned Rangers coach Ian Palmer rested Frank Makua, who was nowhere to be seen throughout the first half, and introduced Welcome Mazibuko in the 53rd minute.

It was after this substitution that the visitors from Durban started finding their footing. Esau Mtsweni was cautioned in the 57th minute when trying to impress coach Roger de Sa.

Russel Khuzwayo made space for Jonathan Solomons in the 62nd minute, but it was Rangers who had the last laugh — from a corner kick.

Thabiso Hlalele’s attempt was palmed for a corner by Wits goalkeeper Wayne Roberts. The resulting kick was well cleared but the ball rolled on to the path of the unmarked Teboho Tsiu, who made sure with his right-footer in the 72nd minute.

The less said about the remaining minutes, the better. — Sapa