By: Khwaza Mbasa

Sterling House Residence retained the Residents League title for the second consecutive time when they beat Campbell Residence by 33 goals to 27 on Wednesday night.

The game was electrifying from the first whistle with both teams defending aggressively that it took some time for the goal attackers to score. This was a difficult match, with both teams hungry for a win, but by the end of the first quarter both teams had seven goals.

The defending champions came back strong in the second quarter with their goal scores not missing any chance and leading with 15 goals to 8 goals. Sterling’s goal attacker Siphiwe Xaba was on fire, killing Campbell with master pieces from a far distance.

Sterling faced two major injuries in the last quarter. Their goal scorer was badly injured, her ankle was fractured but they could not substitute her because they had no other players outside. Their goal defender also suffered an ankle injury.

Campbell took advantage of their injuries; they defended the injured goal scorer and crippled their defence. Sterling wing attacker had to be the playmaker to support and provide the injured goal scorer who was limping in the goal area.

The match was electrifying all the players were on their toes hungry for the ball. Pictures by Lindelwa Dlamini

The final whistle came in Sterling’s rescue as Campbell was catching up.

Sterling’s captain, Nomfundo Khumalo said that she is very proud of her players and the determination that they showed throughout the game.

“I am very happy with my players, their skills are amazing,” she said. She added that this was not a walk in the park and teamwork and team spirit really worked for them. “My team connects on the ground and they play as a team not as individuals.”

Khumalo said that this game taught them a lesson; they need to have more substitutes as they almost lost because their players were injured.

Campbell’s captain, Tshidi said that the game was tough and very competitive. “My team was not fit enough to face Sterling house and we did not have enough practice,” she said.

She feels that they could have avoided some mistakes but the game was in a very high standard.

“Sometimes we did unnecessary mistakes, we lost the ball to our opponent and they punished us for that, as for the game it was a beautiful fair game.”