NFD Weekend Wrap

Round 16 of the 2016/17 National First Division saw leaders Thanda Royal Zulu extend their advantage at the top of the log, while Cape Town giants Santos have dropped to the foot of the table.

The action got underway on Friday night with a derby between Santos and Cape Town All Stars at the Athlone Stadium. Stars claimed a crucial 1-0 victory to move clear of the relegation zone, while the People’s Team, following Magesi FC’s 2-2 draw with Witbank Spurs on Saturday, have sunk to the bottom of the standings.

Saturday’s other results saw Jomo Cosmos and Mthatha Bucks – who are separated by just a point on the log – play to a predictable stalemate in the Eastern Cape, while University of Pretoria held AmaZulu 1-1 at Tuks Stadium. The only winners on the day were FC Cape Town, who won 1-0 at Real Kings to put themselves within striking distance of the top eight.

On Sunday, Thanda Royal Zulu saw their lead extended to a whopping 12 points with a 2-1 home win over Mbombela United at Umhlathuze Sports Complex – the KwaZulu-Natal side took full advantage of Spurs’ draw on Saturday, as well as a stalemate for Royal Eagles on Sunday, as they were held 1-1 by Stellenbosch at Harry Gwala Stadium.

Elsewhere, Black Leopards claimed a 2-1 away win over Milano United to move into the top five and boost their hopes of promotion.

The next round of the NFD season will be held on Wednesday afternoon.

NFD Round 16 results:

Friday, 10 February

Santos 0-1 Cape Town All Stars

Saturday ,11 February

University of Pretoria 1-1 AmaZulu

Magesi FC 2-2 Witbank Spurs

Mthatha Bucks 0-0 Jomo Cosmos

Real Kings 0-1 FC Cape Town Sunday, 12 February Thanda Royal Zulu 2-1 Mbombela United Milano United 1-2 Black Leopards Royal Eagles 1-1 Stellenbosch FC