Platinum Stars progressed to the MultiChoice Diski Challenge after occupying third place in Group B with 12 points.
The Rustenburg-based steam were the surprise package as they exceeded expectations and enjoyed an impressive run, losing only once in a group that had well-known sides Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
supersport.com takes a look at the seven group stage matches the team played in the tournament.
Bidvest Wits 1-1 Stars
13 September - King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban
Stars’ first task in the competition was a clash against Bidvest Wits, who had acquired plenty of experience in development football over the years. The young Dikwena managed to match their opponents as the ecncounter went to the break goalless. Wits took the lead in the 56th minute when striker Mthokozisi Msomi converted from a spot kick. Stars kept fighting and were rewarded when Ruele Modise got the equaliser eleven minutes from time.
Stars 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
24 September - Nike Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto
They then faced Mamelodi Sundowns, in a match that initially looked like it could be a walk in a park for the Pretoria side. The young Brazilians boasted experienced duo in goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni and Bonginkosi Ntuli in their team, as well as the talented Percy Tau. But Stars were never intimidated and frustrated Sundowns, guided by their skipper Sifiso Mnguni. In the end the points were shared as the match ended goalless.
Stars 1-3 Mpumalanga Black Aces
5 October - Olympia Park Stadium, Rustenburg
Stars played the third round match at home after being on the road in their previous matches. They hosted Mpumalanga Black Aces, who had scored six times in two clashes and were also unbeaten. Dikwena got the best start as they went ahead after fourteen minutes, with Thembelani Matlawe getting the goal. Aces fought back to draw level when veteran Essau Mtsweni netted in the 41st minute. Aubrey Modiba added the second one in the 67th minute and Pelican Khumalo found the third in the final minute, handing Stars their first defeat.
Stars 2-1 AmaZulu
11 October - Tuks Stadium, Pretoria
Good times then followed for Stars in the fourth round of the competition when they took on AmaZulu, who had lost all their matches. It took them thirteen minutes to open the scoring when the experienced Rhulani Manzini found the back of the net. It didn’t take the striker long to double his tally as he scored three minutes later to give Stars their first win.
Orlando Pirates 1-2 Stars
12 October - Tuks Stadium, Pretoria
Boosted by their first victory, Stars took on Orlando Pirates in their next encounter. The young Buccaneers had won three of their four matches and came into the clash as favourites. Striker Sibusiso Mahlangu gave Pirates a great start when he netted in the 12th minute. 15-year-old sensation Kobamelo Kodisang got the equaliser for Stars fifteen minutes later. The youngster scored his second in the 52nd minute and a star was born. Dikwena held on to the lead to claim their second-straight win.
Stars 1-1 Chippa United
19 October - Olympia Park Stadium, Rustenburg
Stars had a chance to register their third victory in a row when they hosted Chippa United in the sixth round. The teams were able to match each other as they went to halftime deadlocked. Chippa drew first blood six minutes after the restart through Thabo Maselwa. Captain Sifiso Mnguni saved Stars from defeat when he netted in the 86th minute to ensure they stay in contention for the quarterfinals.
Stars 2-1 Free State Stars
25 October - Kaleshewe Stadium in Kimberly, North West
They then faced a must-win match against Free State Stars, who were also gunning for a quarterfinals spot, in the final round. Black Aces, Wits and Chippa were also in the run for a place in the knockout round going to the final matches. Winger Sabelo Tsambo put Dikwena ahead when he netted a cracker from outside the box in the 35th minute. The Free State side got the equaliser four minutes later through Sello Nephali. Kobamelo Kodisang, who gave a sterling performance, got Stars the winner three minutes after the break to send them into the last eight.
Group stage record: P7 W3 D3 L1 GF9 GA7 GD2 Pts12
No comments:
Post a Comment
drop your comment about your football hero, their fashion style, like who dresses most, who drink most ,who hang out most like going to club , who plays with woman most and so on