Crusaders beat Valley FC in league opener

Crusaders defender Kholofelo Selota scored a first-half brace at Dainfern College to lead his team to a 4–1 victory over Valley FC in their Rand Central Local Football Association (RCLFA) senior league opener.

Selota said his side played well and deserved to win. “It is the first game of the league and I am happy I scored as well,” he said, adding that starting the season with a victory and more goals was important following a disappointing previous season.

Read more: Crusaders FC wins the RCLFA Senior Premier League title

Crusaders lost the league title in the final two games of the previous season, finishing in second place behind Emeris. “It is time we put the previous season behind us and focus,” said Selota. “We were disappointed, but I believe we learned and now we are moving on.”

The St Stithians-based team is now focusing on the new season with the same goal of gaining promotion to the Hollywoodbets Regional League. They set the tone in a five-goal match that began at a frantic pace, with both sides eager to make a statement on the opening day.

Crusaders settled quickly and took the lead after earning a free kick, which was converted with precision by Selota. Valley FC responded strongly, adopting their attacking style and pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their pressure eventually paid off when they won possession in the Crusaders half and finished the opportunity to bring the game level.

Also read: Crusaders take Rand Central Local Football Association (RCLFA) Senior Division 1 League after defeating Evo

That, however, only seemed to spark Crusaders into action. Selota emerged as the hero, making his presence felt at both ends of the pitch. The Crusaders defender found the back of the net to restore his side’s advantage to go 2–1 ahead at the break.

Crusaders returned for the second half with confidence and continued to frustrate Valley FC. Despite changes being made as the game progressed, the visitors remained composed. Their pressure eventually paid off as Gerald Ndlovu found the back of the net, extending their advantage to 3–1 and putting Valley under further pressure.

As the match progressed, Crusaders maintained control, and Simba Zvimba added another goal to complete a convincing 4–1 victory. The final whistle confirmed the result for Crusaders, with Selota’s two goals proving decisive in a dominant opening-day performance.

The result gives Crusaders three points and an encouraging start to the new season.

Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni 2 minutes read Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Share via Email Print Support local journalism Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Randburg Sun in Google News and Top Stories.