Mhawu United FC Dominate Black Aces 4-0 At Ntjanini Sports Ground

Mhawu United FC welcomed Black Aces to Ntjanini Sports Ground on 9 November 2025 for a league clash kicking off at 1:00pm. The home side produced a commanding performance to secure a 4-0 victory, leaving Black Aces unable to respond throughout the 90 minutes plus injury time.

Mhawu United lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying a solid defensive back four with Bahle Masuku at right back, Mangaliso Dlamini and Sandza Shabangu as the central defensive pairing, and Andile Tfwala on the left flank. Alwande Shongwe was the goalkeeper, tasked with organising the defence and keeping a clean sheet. Ahead of the defence, Siphelele Simelane operated as the lone holding midfielder, expected to shield the backline and initiate attacks. The midfield was further bolstered by Philani Sikhondze on the right and Mthobisi Dlamini on the left as attacking midfielders, charged with creating chances and linking play. Up front, the trio consisted of Bonkhe Dlamini on the right wing, Sibotho Sithole leading the line as striker, and Mncobi Mkhwanazi on the left wing, all expected to provide pace, penetration, and goals. The substitutes available were Mndeni Mamba, Sandziso Matse, Nkosephayo Mamba, Likhwa Msibi, and Banele Nhlabatsi.

The match began with Mhawu United asserting control early on, and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 16th minute. Sibotho Sithole stepped up to convert a penalty, calmly dispatching the spot-kick to give the hosts an early advantage. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the first half, with Mhawu United maintaining pressure and Black Aces struggling to carve out meaningful chances. The half concluded with Mhawu United firmly in command at 1-0.

After the interval, Mhawu United made a double substitution in the 57th minute, bringing on Mndeni Mamba and Sandziso Matse for Mncobi Mkhwanazi and Philani Sikhondze respectively. This tactical change aimed to refresh the attacking impetus and maintain intensity. Shortly after, in the 64th minute, Nkosephayo Mamba replaced Bonkhe Dlamini, adding further energy to the forward line.

The substitutions paid dividends as Nkosephayo Mamba made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club in the 69th minute. Rising to meet a precise cross from Sibotho Sithole, Mamba powered a close-range header past the goalkeeper to extend the lead to 2-0. The momentum swung heavily in Mhawu United’s favour.

Just eight minutes later, the lethal partnership between Mamba and Sithole struck again. This time, Mamba provided the assist as Sithole tapped in a close-range finish, doubling his personal tally and putting the game beyond doubt at 3-0. The home crowd were treated to a display of clinical finishing and cohesive attacking play.

Mhawu United continued to rotate their squad with Likhwa Msibi replacing Mthobisi Dlamini in the 79th minute and Banele Nhlabatsi coming on for the prolific Sibotho Sithole a minute later. Despite the changes, the team’s dominance remained unchallenged.

In the 87th minute, Nkosephayo Mamba completed his brace with a composed finish inside the box. Receiving a well-timed pass from holding midfielder Siphelele Simelane, Mamba struck with his right foot from close range to seal a comprehensive 4-0 victory for Mhawu United.

Throughout the match, Mhawu United’s defensive solidity ensured a clean sheet, with goalkeeper Alwande Shongwe and the back four effectively nullifying Black Aces’ attacking threats. The midfield balance provided by Simelane and the attacking midfielders enabled fluid transitions and sustained pressure. Up front, the partnership between Sithole and Mamba proved decisive, combining for three of the four goals.

Nkosephayo Mamba’s introduction proved pivotal, earning him the player of the match accolade for his two goals and assist, which ultimately secured a dominant home win for Mhawu United FC. This result will boost their confidence as they look ahead in the league campaign.