Matchday 3 - report

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DURBAN, September 28 (Absa Premier League) – An early goal from Bradley Ritson was all that separated Amazulu from Thanda Royal Zulu in a nervously contested game in Durban on Sunday.
The rookie striker, making his first start in the green jersey since his move from the amateur ranks, showed excellent composure to net the only goal after eight minutes as the hosts claimed their first points of the new season.
It was a first loss of the new season for a below-par Thanda, who struggled to find any of the rhythm that saw them claim wins over Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic in their opening two games.
A moments silence for the late Usuthu striker Siyabonga Mkhwanazi, who passed away two weeks ago, was observed before the kick-off at Princess Magogo Stadium.
And it was not a long wait for the home fans before the goal arrived, Masoeng Sillo charging through the middle and threading a neat ball through to Ritson, who calmly lifted the ball home from the right side of the penalty area.
Thanda had their first real opening in the 20th minute when July Mahlangu played in Peter Ndlovu in the box, but the striker’s shot was excellently saved by Kalilio Kakonje.
The Zambian then instantly re-gathered himself to push Bernard Parker’s rebound shot from six-yards out around the post.
On the half-hour mark, the hosts looked to have been given a huge break when Pere Ariweriyai, who was booked minutes earlier, clattered into the back of Parker with the Nigerian escaping only with a stiff talking to by the referee.
Belux Kasonga then tested Aubrey Mathibe with an excellent 30-yard shot, which the Thanda goalkeeper was well equal to.
However, the Amabhubesi were almost made to pay for a costly error four minutes before the break.
A slip by Ahmed Mohammed allowed Ritson to charge into the box and square the ball on for Shongwe, who should have scored, but for a point-blank save from Mathibe to keep his side in the game at half-time.
Clive Barker’s team picked up where they left off after the restart, Thabo Mabaso’s run and cross from the right almost made its way to Ritson, but for a slight touch from James Madidilani.
And the striker should have scored in the 48th minute when he beat the off-side trap and found himself unmarked in the penalty area, but he tried to cross instead of going for goal as another good chance went begging.
Shortly after the hour, Mohammed-Awal Issah and Shongwe linked up well after a flowing move down the right flank, with the former wastefully firing wide from 12-yards out as Thanda struggled to find any momentum or create any chances..
Felix Obada should have hit the target with his six-yard shot just before full-time after good work from substitute Nkosinathi Nhleko, who flicked the ball over to the midfielder racing in from the left.
However, it was not to be for the visitors as they tasted defeat for the first time this season, while Amazulu will be relieved to have finally claimed their first points.