Well it looked like AmaZulu has it all in hand, two wins on the run and a KZN Derby as the opening match of the Moses Mabhida Stadium, but then the Maritzburg defender Byrone Hendricks wrote his name into the history books by becoming the first player to score a goal at Durban’s new 2010 Stadium..
The Team of Choice became the Team of the Day when the closely matched teams struggled for the full ninety minutes to find space, and produced an interesting, if not thrilling game as the opening match for a crowd of 22 000 excited, vuvuzela-blowing spectators. The Score Martizburg United 1 – Amazulu 0.
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Great Design
Red Card – First Player to Be Sent Off
And talking about firsts, in the 28 minute AmaZulu’s Sibusiso Hadebe pulled clear of Maritzburg’s defence and was darting towards goal when some overzealous jersey tugging from Peter Petersen brought Hadebe’s run to a grinding halt a few metres away from the danger area. For his bad discipline, Petersen became the first player to be sent off at this venue.
The win takes The Team of Choice up to 12th on the Absa Premiership table as Usuthu drop down to 13th place.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
The hands- down winner of the day was the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which delivered and delivered again. From the well-organised parking; the very visible security presence; the ample restrooms and the wonderful seats with truly great views of the pitch from all over – this stadium is going to be a hit with the World Cup Crowds.
South African Soccer Crowds
I’m a bit sad that the real South African Soccer Fans, like the ones who shared the Stadium with me yesterday will probably not be filling up the stadiums for the world cup games because the tickets are too expensive. Because the vibe in a real soccer crowd is electric. If anyone wants to experience unity and African warmth, they just need to get a vuvuzela and become one with the crowd at a South African soccer match.
Laduma!
Also read my friend and Comrade in Vuvuzela’s, Fred Hatman’s account of the day and check out his great pics.
The Teams
AMAZULU: Mzimela, Van Heerden, Mkhona, Bishop, Bukasa, Biyela, Ngxabi,
Hadebe, Zwane, Ngwenya, Ritson. Subs: Gindre, SDlamini, A Dlamini,
Sangweni, Ariweriyai, Gumede, Mokoro.
MARITZBURG UTD: Goldman, Hendricks, Ngwepe, Petersen, Dikulu,Thakathi,
Chivuta, Madondo, Obada, Davids, Aka. Subs: Wardle, Diouf, Nyatama,
Ncubeni, Zimba, Madidilani, Bester
Maritzburg Supporters blowing their Vuvuzelas
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