Vusi Ngcobo’s hat-trick helped Thanda Royal Zulu ease their relegation problems when they registered a hard-fought 3-2 win over Bidvest Wits in a thrilling Absa Premiership match at Absa Stadium, Durban, on Wednesday.
The match started at a blistering pace with Royal Zulu pushing forward in numbers in search of the opener. The home side almost took the lead in the sixth minute when winger Katlego Loke’s curling shot from the left flank went inches wide.
Wits caught Royal Zulu’s defence napping in the 20th minute when midfielder Rene Richards broke the ice with a curling free-kick. This was after Wits’ lanky striker Dale Studzinski was fouled by Patrick Mayo on the edge of the penalty box.
Royal Zulu never gave up as they continued to pile pressure on Wits’ defence in search of the equaliser. They were finally rewarded in the 27th minute when striker Ngcobo levelled matters from a rebound after Felix Obada’s header had hit the crossbar.
Wits goalkeeper Moneeb Josephs made a double save in the 36th minute to deny Royal Zulu midfielders Tshepo Mashishi and July Mahlangu.
Ngcobo, who gave the Wits defenders a tough time whenever in possession of the ball, made it 2-1 in the 43rd minute from the penalty spot after being fouled by Wits defender Ashraf Hendricks. Wits equalised through Hendricks, who headed home Richard Rantjie’s terrific cross in the 77th minute.
While Royal Zulu fans were already convinced that their team had settled for a draw, Ngcobo ensured they collected maximum points when he headed Loke’s pinpoint cross into the net, giving Wits keeper Josephs no chance in the 90th minute. — Sapa