Mhawu United FC Secure 3-1 Win Over Mawelawela Black Aces

Mhawu United FC hosted Mawelawela Black Aces FC at Ntjanini Sports Ground on 26 October 2025, with kick-off at 3:00pm in a keenly contested league fixture. The home side emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline after 90 minutes plus injury time, much to the delight of the 67 spectators in attendance.

Mhawu United lined up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Sandziso Dlamini took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four consisting of Lindokuhle Dlamini at right back, Mangaliso Dlamini and Sandza Shabangu as central defenders, and Andile Tfwala on the left flank. The midfield trio featured Mthobisi Dlamini on the right, Siphelele Simelane centrally, and Philani Sikhondze on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the attack. Up front, the wide forwards were Mncobi Mkhwanazi on the right and Sibotho Sithole on the left, with Nkosephayo Mamba leading the line as the central striker. The substitutes named for Mhawu United were Bonkhe Dlamini, Philani Mkhatshwa, Likhwa Msibi, and Bahle Masuku.

The match burst into life almost immediately as Mhawu United took the lead in the second minute. Sibotho Sithole, operating from the left forward position, delivered a precise assist to Mncobi Mkhwanazi, who finished clinically to put the hosts ahead. This early goal set the tone for the game, with Mhawu United looking confident in their attacking shape.

As the first half progressed, the home side maintained control but faced some disciplinary challenges. At 34 minutes, Sibotho Sithole was shown a yellow card, a caution that hinted at the physical intensity of the contest. Despite this, Mhawu United held their advantage going into the break with the scoreline at 1-0.

The second half saw tactical adjustments and further disciplinary moments. At 64 minutes, Mhawu United made their first substitution, bringing on Bonkhe Dlamini to replace striker Nkosephayo Mamba, likely to inject fresh energy into the forward line. Five minutes later, left back Andile Tfwala received a yellow card, reflecting the ongoing battle along the flanks.

Further changes came at the 75-minute mark with a double substitution: Philani Mkhatshwa replaced central midfielder Philani Sikhondze, and Likhwa Msibi came on for the right forward Mncobi Mkhwanazi. These moves appeared designed to refresh the midfield and attacking options as Mhawu United sought to extend their lead.

The substitutions paid dividends just three minutes later when Bonkhe Dlamini scored his first goal of the match, again assisted by Sibotho Sithole, who was proving to be a key creative force. The home side’s dominance was further emphasised when, at 80 minutes, Likhwa Msibi was booked for a bad tackle, underscoring the physical nature of the game.

Mhawu United’s third goal arrived at 82 minutes through Sibotho Sithole himself, who capitalised on his influential performance to put the game beyond doubt. His contribution was pivotal, and he was later named player of the match for his all-round display.

With the match winding down, Bahle Masuku was introduced at 87 minutes to replace the tiring Sibotho Sithole, allowing the home side to manage their lead and preserve energy. However, the closing stages were not without incident. In injury time, goalkeeper Sandziso Dlamini was shown a red card for a bad tackle, a dramatic moment that left Mhawu United temporarily vulnerable.

Mawelawela Black Aces took advantage of the situation by converting a penalty at 94 minutes, pulling a goal back and adding some late drama to the fixture. Despite this, Mhawu United held firm to secure a well-earned 3-1 victory.

Overall, Mhawu United’s tactical setup and clinical finishing proved decisive. The early goal set the tone, while the midfield and forward line, particularly Sibotho Sithole, orchestrated the play effectively. The defensive unit, despite the late red card, managed to keep the opposition at bay for most of the match. This result will boost Mhawu United’s confidence as they continue their league campaign.