Komphela-less Celtic return to winning ways

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jan 04, 2019. 22:20

Bloemfontein Celtic got their year off to a winning start, defeating Chippa United 1-0 in the opening Absa Premiership game of year at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Friday evening.

Ndumiso Mabena scored the only goal of the game to lead Phunya Sele Sele to victory in their first game since Steve Komphela's shock departure at the end of last year.

Victory moves Siwelele up to third place on the log standings while defeat leaves the Chilli Boys in 15th spot. The Eastern Cape club are now nine league games without a win.

Rhulani Manzini and Lucky Baloyi forced the two sides respective goalkeepers into good saves in a thrilling first half that surprisingly failed to conjure a goal.

The only goal of the game came in the 58th minute through Mabena who provided a delightful chip finish over Daniel Akpeyi following a precise through ball by Menzi Masuku.

Chippa pressed forward in search of the equaliser, but Celtic ultimately held on for all three points as they broke their losing streak.

Chippa United (0) 0

Bloemfontein Celtic (0) 1 (Mabena 58')

Chippa United: Akpeyi; Macheke, Modisane, Nsabiyumva, Tlolane, Makobela (Rakhale 59'), Malepe (Lentjies 71'), Sangweni, Mayambela (Maphanga 77'), Mbenyane, Manzini.

Bloemfontein Celtic: Tignyemb; De Jongh, Rikhotso, Letlabika, Sam, Baloyi, Phalane, Masuku (Potsane 82'), Dlamini (Shikweni 82'), Mangweni (Maema 56'), Mabena