Player punches referee
Mogan Segadavan
THERE was drama in the SAB League at the NU9 Stadium on Saturday when the match between Royal Bucks and Peace United was abandoned with less than 10 minutes remaining after the referee was assaulted by a Bucks player.
With the match at 2-2 and heading for a draw, United were awarded a free-kick in their own area. When Bucks player Sithembele Ruda protested excessively, he was shown a yellow card by referee Siyabonga Ngxamazi. The player then continued to abuse the referee and was shown a second yellow card, which meant an automatic dismissal.
Ruda then apparently punched the referee in the face before players and officials intervened. Ngxamazi was not badly injured.
Safa-NMB president Mzimkhulu Fina was outraged at the incident. "We will wait for the referee's report and follow due procedure. However, we will show no mercy to any player who raises a hand to a match official," he said.
Meanwhile, the top three teams continue their neck-and- neck race for the championships.
Subs extended their 100% record to seven matches and, remarkably, goalkeeper Lwando Nkholo is yet to concede a goal.
The log leaders beat Sunrise Development 3-0.
Ludwe Sonjica gave Subs an early lead from well outside the area early in the game. Before the break, Vuyisani Masumpa made the score 2-0 from another long- range drive. Ludwe Maid netted the final goal late in the game.
Lion City humiliated Hotspurs in their own backyard when they thrashed the Schauder outfit 3-0 at the Moredyke field.
Lion took the lead when Thulani Shumpa caught the Hotspurs keeper flat-footed with a cracker from just outside the area.
After the break, Malibongwe Maseti made it 2-0. Thamsanqa Gwabeni made the score 3-0.
Callies, who trail Subs by two points, beat Island City 3-1 after leading 2-0 at the break.
Results: Motherwell Academy 1 Fairview Rovers 2, Despatch Pioneers 1 Camper United 1, Subs 3 Sunrise Development 0, Island City 1 Callies 3, Highland Spurs 2 Showvillage United 1, Hotspurs 0 Lion City 3