Johannesburg – Platinum Stars striker Eleazar Rodgers was the hero as his hattrick ensured a 4-2 win for the hosts over struggling Amazulu at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
The win is a massive confidence boost for Dikwena ahead of their Telkom Knockout final clash against Supersport United at the Orlando Stadium on November 29.
As was expected, the two sides that have been struggling in the League didn't have the best of starts.
Amazulu were awarded a free kick in the 12th minute when Kulegani Madondo fouled Robert N'gambi. The kick was taken by Ndumiso Mabena but Tapuwa Kapini was alert and parried the ball to safety.
The hosts were first on the score sheet in the 29th minute, though, when Mfundo Nsele was adjudged to have unfairly fouled Mabena in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Stars striker Eleazar Rodgers stepped up and converted past Kapini to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
The visitors fought back and on the stroke of halftime, they levelled terms through Tshepo Liphoko, who got to the end of an assist by Bongani Ndulula in the 42nd minute.
The score was 1-1 at the break.
There were more goals in the second half and it didn't take long for Stars to shine again with Rodgers again making the difference in the first minute of the second half.
Rodgers finished off with his right foot to put Stars 2-1 ahead after an assist by Mabena.
Barely three minutes later Amazulu again found an equaliser when Liphoko used his left foot to score in the 48th minute.
Stars coach Allan Freese brought in attacking midfielder Mogakolodi Ngele who replaced Ng'ambi in the 67th minute and it wasn't long before Stars regained their lead.
Rodgers completed his hattrick in the 69th minute when Mahlatse Makudubela put in an assist to give Stars a 3-2 lead.
Amazulu coach Wilfred Mugeyi threw caution to the wind with double substitutions in the 72nd minute when Philani Shange and Mfanafuthi Dlaminir replaced Nkosinathi Mthiyane and Bornwell Mwape respectively.
However, the move backfired when Mabena put the game beyond doubt with a left foot finish in the 88th minute after an assist by Rodgers.
The win meant Stars moved up to 10th on the log before the the rest of the weekend matches, while Amazulu remain rooted to the bottom with no win after eleven matches. – Sapa