A dramatic stoppage-time goal saw Venda Football Club secure a 1-1 draw against Cape Town City at the Ṱhohoyanḓou Stadium on Saturday afternoon, in a thrilling Motsepe Foundation Championship encounter, as both sides continued their push in a fiercely contested promotion race.
Cape Town City took an early lead through Dolly in the 14th minute and looked on course to claim maximum points. However, Venda FC showed resilience, with T. Mofokeng netting a dramatic equaliser in the 92nd minute to ensure the spoils were shared.
City head coach Jan Vreman reflected on a match of fine margins, admitting his side failed to capitalise on key moments.
“We started really fast and got the early goal, but after that it became difficult. They were playing direct and putting balls into the box, which made it tough for us defensively,” said Vreman.
“We had big chances and even hit the post. I think we should have finished the game earlier.”
On the bigger picture, Vreman highlighted the competitiveness of the league, noting that several teams remain in contention for automatic promotion.
“Every game is heavy. It can go either way, and that’s what makes this league so tough. There are still about eight games left, and it will be like this for many teams.”
Meanwhile, Venda FC head coach Clinton Larsen praised his side’s fighting spirit, particularly against what he described as one of the strongest teams in the division.
“Firstly, congratulations to Cape Town City. In my opinion, we came up against the best team in the league in terms of quality and the football they play,” Larsen said.
“But I thought our team was very brave. We went pound for pound with them. They had chances, we had chances, and once again we didn’t take ours, but I’m very proud of the effort.”
Larsen revealed that a frank half-time discussion helped spark a strong second-half response from his players.
“At halftime we had a very candid chat, and I was very happy with the reaction. The character they showed, fighting until the end, is commendable.”
Despite sitting 9th on 27 points, Larsen believes his side deserves a higher position, pointing to their defensive strength this season.
“We’ve got one of the best defences in the league. A team with such structure doesn’t deserve to be where it is. We just need to keep adding points in the remaining games and move into a more respectable position”
The result leaves Cape Town City in 4th place on 37 points, just behind Casric Stars (38), while Milford FC and Kruger United are level on 40 points, with Milford leading on goal difference after their emphatic 5-0 win over Baroka FC at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex.
Both teams will now take a short break due to the international window, with Larsen confirming plans to prioritise recovery.
“It’s been a hectic programme and fatigue sets in at this stage of the season. We’ll give the players a few days’ rest before preparing for a difficult trip.”
Venda FC will next travel to Upington to face Upington City on Wednesday, 8 April, a fixture Larsen is eagerly anticipating.
“A trip most teams don’t like, but I enjoy them. If you get results there, it makes it worthwhile. We’re going there to fight for points
Cape Town City, meanwhile, will return to action on Tuesday, 7 April when they host another Venda-based side, Black Leopards.
With just eight games remaining, the race for promotion remains wide open, and both sides will be aiming to build on this result when the league resumes.