SOCCER NEWS - Simunye FC secured a 3-0 victory over Plettenberg Bay’s Oriented Birds in their Safa Eden Regional Men’s League clash at Lawaaikamp Stadium last weekend.

Goals from Sindile Magubane, Vuyisani Mfengu and Thando Binqela sealed the home win, while goalkeeper Bathande Jacobs saved a penalty to keep a clean sheet.

Both clubs have previously won the regional title and have talented young players in their squads for the 2026/27 season.

Simunye strike early

Both sides started positively, pushing forward in search of opportunities before Magubane gave Simunye an early lead. Mfengu added a second to increase the pressure on the visitors, with Simunye taking a 2-0 advantage into the break. Oriented Birds returned with renewed purpose in the second half but struggled to break through Simunye’s defence.

Binqela extended the hosts’ lead to 3-0 before the visitors were awarded a penalty. Jacobs denied Awonke Sondaba from the spot, capping a strong performance in goal.

The result moved Simunye into fourth place with 11 points from six matches, one point behind third-placed Oriented Birds.

Oriented Birds head coach Lisakhanya Siphungu described the defeat as a learning experience and said his team would return to the drawing board.