Tsakani – Wattville United secured their second win of the season with a 2-1 victory against East Rand Athletics (ERA) at Tsakane Stadium on October 17.

Minutes before halftime, Siyabonga Dlamini scored the opening goal to put Wattville in the lead. ERA equalised in the second half when Siphesihle Nkosi found the back of the net.

The exciting encounter kept spectators on the edge of their seats as both teams fought for the lead.

However, ERA’s celebrations were short-lived as Wattville’s Kwago Molefe scored the team’s second goal to restore their lead.

Just two minutes later, ERA were awarded a penalty, which captain Gift Nkosi took. However, Wattville goalkeeper Percy Thutsha made the save to keep his team ahead.

Reflecting on the game, Nkosi said the team had shown promise despite the defeat.

“We had a great game. Since we started playing together, this was our first game as a team and we have new players. As the captain, I am very proud. We can still achieve more with this young group,” he said.

He added that the team had shown more potential than last season with the younger players bringing energy and a strong desire to win.

Nkosi said the team became overexcited after equalising, which affected their approach to the game.

“By the time we equalised, our mindset changed. We managed to play the ball but our defenders lost possession in a crucial area and we were punished,” he said.

He admitted that ERA should have converted the penalty but said the team needed to accept the defeat and focus on improving.

“As a senior player, I have to guide the youngsters and encourage them. Even when we were losing 1-0, I told them to keep their heads up and keep pushing,” Nkosi said.

Wattville’s coach Simphiwe Mthethwa expressed his pride in winning an away game.

“They displayed admirable discipline, they listened to instructions. We are working on a few things in training and slowly but surely we will get there,” he said.

He talked about the tactical changes they throughout the game.

“The first five minutes of the game are very crucial, so we told the boys and that’s how we managed to score five minutes before the first half and the last minutes of the second half as well,” Mthethwa said.

Mthethwa talked about the last minute penalty saying he had trust in his goalkeeper.

“He’s an experienced keeper so I was at ease and he showed individual brilliance,” he concluded.