After watching — and fanatically celebrating — the Springboks’ emphatic victory in the Rugby World Cup final, the Premier Soccer League game between Moroka Swallows and Black Leopards on Sunday paled in comparison.
A 91st-minute goal by James Chamanga had Swallows coach Ian Gorowa sprawled on the Germiston Stadium turf, obviously relieved at getting the three points and continuing the 60th birthday celebrations of the Soweto-born club.
Goalkeepers Aubrey Mathibe and Mashudu Mamphitha were excellent in goal for Swallows and Leopards respectively throughout the match.
However, Leopards’ Myron Shongwe wasted a few scoring chances for the visitors.
Sandile Ndlovu was just as wasteful for the hosts, squandering what little chances they had as Leopards created more opportunities. Former Mamelodi Sundowns, Mother City and Golden Arrows striker Alton Meiring came on for the ineffective Evans GweKwerere, but despite his vast experience missed the target twice when it looked easy to score.
A training-ground move freed Meiring in the small box, but he rushed the only touch he had and put the ball wide of the target to the dismay of his teammates. Earlier on, Meiring created a scoring chance for himself but shot wide of Mamphita’s goal.
Mamphitha erred, though, when Sibusiso Themba swung in a swerving cross from the right, which the keeper missed and Chamanga headed into the back of the net.
Meiring, Shongwe and Ndlovu should surely take lessons from Percy Montgomery and company when it comes to putting the ball through the goal posts when it matters most, as the misfiring strikers seemed to have no clue how to score — under pressure or not.
Swallows are seventh on the Absa Premier Soccer League table with nine points, while Leopards remain in ninth place with six points. — Sapa