Spurs suffer narrow defeat TTM defeat in Venda

In the blistering 34 degree Venda heat, the game got off to a slow start at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

Spurs looked to gain control of the game early on, which was evident in the build-up play from defensive situations. 

The Urban Warriors saw most of the ball in the first-half, while the hosts were reduced to playing on the counter-attack. Shaun Bartlett’s charges continued to play high up the pitch in search of the opening goal. 

Despite a largely subdued first 45, Spurs created a couple of goal scoring opportunities before the break, however the home side held on.

Coach Shaun Bartlett’s charges got off to a positive start in the subsequent 45, as Boitumelo Radiopane was introduced into the fold. The attacker looked lively from the get go and even produced a shot that hit the left and right hand frame of the goal.

Despite having the lion’s share of possession, TTM opened the scoring in the 55th minute, which was largely against the run of play. The game opened up soon thereafter, with both teams creating numerous chances in attacking situations. 

The home side went into game-management mode for much of the second-half after taking the lead, which made it hard for the Urban Warriors to infiltrate the back-line. That said, the scoreline remained the same until the end of the match as Spurs suffered their first defeat in six league matches. 

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila: (0) 1 (Sekola 55’)  

Cape Town Spurs: (0) 0

TTM: Kock, Fakude, Mpeta, Mkhabela, Sarr, Joshua, Nkabinde, Nene, Rendani, Nkoana 

Spurs: Dlamini, Daniels, Mfecane (Brown 87’), Dortley (Lubeni 70’), Stander, Allie, Moroole, Ryan (Mpame 70’), Butsaka, Moosa (Radiopane 46’), Cupido