JJ Sporting FC Held To Goalless Draw By Phase 4 11 At Three Rivers

JJ Sporting Fc hosted Phase 4 11 at Three Rivers on the morning of 18 January 2026, kicking off promptly at 9:00am in a league fixture that ended in a 0-0 stalemate after 90 minutes of competitive football. The referee for the match was Tsepho, overseeing an 11-a-side contest that saw both sides struggle to break the deadlock.

JJ Sporting Fc lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Khaya Similane on the right, Siyanda Maseko centrally, and Bongi Nkosi on the left. This defensive trio was tasked with maintaining solidity and providing cover against Phase 4 11’s attacking threats. Ahead of them, the midfield quartet featured Siphamandla Mzizi on the right, Mzilikazi Nokwali and Thubelihle Maseko occupying the central midfield roles, and Sandile Mkhiza on the left. Their roles were crucial in linking defence to attack, controlling possession, and supporting both defensive duties and forward momentum. Up front, the attacking trio consisted of Zanokhule Mnguni on the right wing, Ithumuleng Sethibe as the central striker, and Tumisho Khambule operating on the left wing, expected to stretch the opposition’s defence and create scoring opportunities. The goalkeeper Lulama was the last line of defence, prepared to command the penalty area and organise the back three. No substitutes were named for JJ Sporting Fc in this match.

The first half unfolded with both teams cautiously probing for openings, but neither side managed to carve out clear-cut chances. JJ Sporting Fc’s defensive unit remained disciplined, with Siyanda Maseko particularly effective in the heart of defence, intercepting Phase 4 11’s advances. The midfield quartet worked tirelessly to maintain possession and disrupt the visitors’ rhythm, though the final ball from the flanks often lacked the precision needed to unlock the opposing defence. The forwards, Zanokhule Mnguni, Ithumuleng Sethibe, and Tumisho Khambule, were active in pressing but found limited space to exploit as Phase 4 11’s defenders held firm.

At the half-time whistle, the score remained goalless, reflecting a tightly contested match where defensive organisation took precedence over attacking flair. The second half continued in a similar vein, with JJ Sporting Fc attempting to assert more control through their midfield but unable to convert possession into meaningful goal-scoring opportunities. The visitors remained compact and disciplined, frustrating JJ Sporting Fc’s attempts to break through.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Lulama was called upon to remain alert but was rarely tested seriously, as Phase 4 11’s attacking efforts were sporadic and lacked penetration. The match concluded without any goals, leaving both teams to share the points in a game where defensive resilience overshadowed offensive creativity. Despite the lack of goals, the tactical discipline shown by JJ Sporting Fc in their 3-4-3 formation ensured they remained competitive throughout the fixture at Three Rivers.