28 September 2008 

INGESUND CAN BE CONFIDENT


Maritzburg United is off to a good start in the Absa Premiership season. It was a goalless draw against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Vodacom Park this Sunday.



The season still has a long way to go, but Coach Gordon Igesund can certainly look forward to the
rest of the season with confidence, with five points from their first three league matches.

After a slow start to the game, it was Celtic who threatened to score the first goal midway through
the first half, but United goalkeeper, Hunter Gilstrap, tipped the 12-yard shot by Mark Mayambela
around the post.

Four minutes later Gilstrap made a comfortable save from Geoffrey Sserunkuma's header after a
cross from Moses Spandeel.

Sipho Mngomezulu, who had scored a long range goal against Kaizer Chiefs in Maritzburg's last outing, again tried his luck from a fair distance in the 31st minute, but this time Celtic 'keeper Shu-aib Walters watched the ball fly wide of his upright.

Celtic's Solomon Mathe also attempted a long-range effort at goal, shooting from 25 yards out, just
a few minutes before the half time break, but again Gilstrap made a straightforward save.

Four minutes into the second half, Spandeel saw his effort from the right side of the penalty area go
wide of goal. Shortly after, United's John Arwuah was unlucky to see his close range header pass the wrong side of the post.

Brice Aka got on the end of Junior Khanye's free kick in the 55th minute, but Walters was not troubled
by the Ivorian's header. It was a similar effort by United substitute, Lucky Maselesele, nine minutes.

Maritzburg: Gilstrap, Bageta, Ngwepe, Mashishi, Mbemba, Khanye (Bucuane 64'), Arwuah, Ndlovu (Maselesele 52'), Mngomezulu, Aka, Davids (Tsabedze73').

Celtic: Walters, Ratsoana, Mubiala, Batabaire, Mototo, Nhlapo, Mayambela (Mthombeni 68'), Mathe, Kondowe (Taaibos 83'), Sserunkuma (Mahlatsi 75'), Spandeel.