Siyabonga Nkosi’s brace earned Bloemfontein Celtic maximum points away from home when they beat Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-0 in a Castle Premiership encounter at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors led 1-0 at the interval thanks to a goal by Nkosi in the 10th minute. He headed in Vasineo Sofiadellis’s well-taken free kick — this after the rough tackling of Jorry Merahe by Thami Biyela at the edge of Arrows’ penalty box.
In the 37th minute, Celtic introduced Simon Gopane for their injured number-one goalkeeper, Vincent Ongandzi, who collided with Justice Sithole.
Sithole, who was out of form, was later substituted for Thiyekile ”Ace” Gulwa.
In search for an equaliser, Abafana Bes’thende introduced Lucky ”Y2K” Sibeko for Bheka Phakathi in the 71st minute, but their efforts proved fruitless.
Nkosi completed his brace — and sealed the victory — in the 88th minute when he fired a powerful shot that left Arrows goalkeeper Davis Phiri stranded.
His goal was made possible by an excellent through ball from John Maduka.
Cosmos escape relegation
Meanwhile, Jomo Cosmos escaped relegation when they beat fellow relegation candidates Dynamos 4-1 in a Castle Premiership relegation dogfight played at the Rand Stadium on Sunday.
Cosmos led 2-0 at half-time.
Ezenkosi were given the opening goal on a plate when Dynamos defender Martin Carelse under no pressure booted home an own goal when he tried to clear a cross from Cosmos Lucky Mhlathe in the 15th minute. Carelse panicked as his goalkeeper, Arthur Bartmann, had Mhlathe’s cross covered.
Cosmos made it 2-0 after 31 minutes when Mhlathe latched on to a well-timed cross from Chris Katongo and Beta Bartmann with a superb shot.
Burly Cosmos striker Chippa Nhleko failed to connect a through ball inside the six-yard area and allowed a chance to make it 3-0 go to waste.
Dynamos best effort in the opening half came in the 42nd minute when goalkeeper Avril Phali did well to palm away Soul Mmethi’s goal-bound shot.
But Dynamos reduced the deficit in the 51st minute when Rodney Thobejane headed home a corner.
Barman came to the rescue in the 65th minute when he saved a blistering shot from Mhlathe. But Cosmos made the game safe when Nhleko beat the offside trap and headed past Bartmann in the 75th minute to put the issue beyond doubt and ensure that Cosmos survive to play in the Premier Soccer League next season.
Mhlathe put the icing on top with a well-taken second goal three minutes from time. — Sapa