Stellenbosch FC's Chumani Butsaka and Chippa United's Boy Madingwane battle for the ball in the Betway Premiership match.
Image: Backpagepix
Tshegofatso Mabasa has made a strong case for Stellenbosch FC to retain him beyond the expiry of his loan deal after scoring a brace in a 2-1 win over Chippa United in a Betway Premiership clash at Athlone Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Mabasa’s exploits helped Stellies climb to eighth on the log as they continued their domestic resurgence under coach Gavin Hunt, following a sluggish start to the season under former coach Steve Barker.
The Chilli Boys, meanwhile, left the Mother City disappointed, remaining 13th on the standings and just two points above the play-off spot. Returning home empty-handed will sting even more for Chippa, especially following reports that they travelled to the match by bus.
Despite Stellies having travelled only a short distance from their home base at Danie Craven Stadium, they did not look sharp early on, as Chippa launched wave after wave of attacks in the opening stages. However, the visitors failed to capitalise on their chances and began to lose momentum. Stellies gradually took control, with Mabasa and Langelihle Phili combining effectively in the final third.
Just after the half-hour mark, the duo linked up, with Phili delivering a pinpoint cross that Mabasa met with a header. Goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi got a hand to it, but could only parry the ball into his own net. Moments later, Mabasa struck again — his third goal for Stellies since joining on loan from Orlando Pirates in January — heading home a cross from Enyinnaya Kazie past a diving Msibi.
Chippa attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, with coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi making several changes at the break, but they could only find a late breakthrough from the penalty spot, which proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
Referee Tshidiso Mkwanazi, with assistance from his linesman, awarded the visitors a dubious penalty. Sinoxolo Kwayiba stepped up in the 80th minute and sent Sage Stephens the wrong way.
Before the nervy finish, Mabasa could have completed his hat-trick and made the result more comfortable for the hosts, but missed two clear chances, including firing over the bar in a one-on-one with Msibi.
While Hunt may be frustrated by those missed opportunities, he will be encouraged by Mabasa’s movement and ability to get into scoring positions, as well as his growing influence in the team.
The club is reportedly keen to retain Mabasa beyond the end of the season, with chief executive Rob Benadie suggesting as much in recent media reports.
Meanwhile, Wonderboy Makhubu’s difficult start to life at Stellenbosch FC since joining in January continued, as he was sent off after receiving a second booking for a late challenge in stoppage time. It marked his second red card in less than a month.
* Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel, The Clutch