The Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League witnessed a thrilling weekend of matches, with over 20 goals finding the net. The highlight of the weekend was the Gqeberha derby between Old Grey and GQ Cavaliers, which ended in a 4-3 victory for Old Grey. This match was part of the coastal stream and saw Vernon Campher score a brace for the winning team. Old Grey, who were finalists last season, got their campaign off to a strong start with this win.
In another coastal stream match, Amavarara secured their second straight win by defeating Gqeberha United 2-1. This victory propelled Amavarara to the top of the coastal stream standings with six points. Meanwhile, Buffalo City Relatives bounced back from a tough start with a 1-0 victory over Seven Stars at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane. Their captain, Mandilakhe Soji, was seen putting in a cross against Seven Stars in their previous match.
Defending champions FC Ravens continued their strong form by earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Amaxesibe in Bizana. This win saw them lead the inland stream log with six points. In a major upset, Bizana Pondo City secured the biggest win of the weekend with an emphatic 5-0 thrashing of Matatiele. This result showcased the team's strength and determination.
Camdeboo Football Academy Development also had a remarkable win, handing Makana Rhini United a 3-0 hiding at the Botanic Gardens sports grounds. Komani United scored twice to beat the University of Fort Hare at Dumpy Adams, while Sinenkani were held to a 1-1 draw against newcomers United at the Rotary Stadium in Mthatha.
The league's action was not limited to these matches, as Matta Milan and Bush Bucks played to a goalless draw at Willowvale Stadium. With the Nedbank Cup round of 32 approaching, the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League will take a break for two weeks. This break will give teams a chance to regroup and prepare for the upcoming challenges.
The weekend's results have set the stage for an exciting continuation of the league. Old Grey's victory over GQ Cavaliers and Amavarara's win over Gqeberha United have made the coastal stream standings highly competitive. Similarly, FC Ravens' strong start to the season has put them at the top of the inland stream log.
As the league resumes after the Nedbank Cup round of 32, teams will look to build on their current form and make a push for the top spots. With over 20 goals scored in the weekend's matches, the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League has shown that it is going to be an action-packed and thrilling competition.
Key points
- Old Grey bounce back with 4-3 win over GQ Cavaliers
- Amavarara lead coastal stream standings with six points
- Defending champions FC Ravens lead inland stream log with six points
