Simunye suffer massive defeat

FOOTBALL NEWS - George Local Football Association (Geolfa) and Safa Eden Regional League teams will be finishing their remaining fixtures in remote locations, following recent dissent within the association in George that led to the municipality closing its fields for all soccer-related activities.

The unrest came after 17 teams were suspended by Geolfa after taking part in the Woza uzobona Easter soccer tournament without Geolfa's written permission.

The Safa Eden Regional Men's League reigning champions, Simunye FC from Lawaaikamp, lost with a humiliating score of 4-0 against Oriented Birds from Plettenberg Bay in a Regional League game in Sedgefield on Sunday afternoon, 28 May.

Oriented Birds have played 29 fixtures this season, with 25 victories and four draws. They have scored 86 goals and have amassed 79 points. Simunye are still fighting to reach the top eight.

Oriented Birds were in control from the start and Simunye had difficulty warding off their strong attacks. Siyanda Madlala scored one goal in the first half, bringing the half-time score to 1-0 for Oriented Birds.

The second half saw the Plett side keep up the pressure with skillful footwork on the ball. Fazel Damans and Malik Mpunjo scored the second and third goals for Oriented Birds.

Simunye were working overtime to try and fend off the constant attacks from the Birds' wingers and at one stage there was hope that they would improve their situation, but they never managed to carry it through. Siyabonga Sodumo, Oriented Birds' target man, hammered the final nail in the coffin for Simunye with a fourth goal for his side.

Sthabiso Shabalala of Simunye controls the ball. Photos: Zama Gagu