Labyrinth Football Club Ladies hosted Shooting Stars at Dinie Estate Rustenburg on 27 September 2025, with kick-off at 3:00pm in a league home match. Despite a spirited effort, Labyrinth FC Ladies were defeated 3-1 in front of 400 spectators, with the visitors proving too clinical on the day. The referee, Thato Warona, delivered an impeccable performance throughout the 90 minutes plus added time.
Labyrinth FC Ladies lined up in a traditional 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Thibathiba Thebe took her place between the sticks as goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Mpho Kheswa at right back, Nontlantla Javu and Oretshwanetse Phiri as central defenders, and Nhlayakgosi Lebogang on the left. The midfield trio featured Mosele Ashley on the right, Modise Neo centrally, and Resego Ntsayagae on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the attack. Up front, the forward line consisted of Kebitsang Vanessa on the right wing, Penyenye Keamogetswe leading as striker, and Mabalane Rachael on the left wing, expected to provide width and goal threat. On the bench were Letlhogonolo Ditau and Kekana Masego, ready to be called upon if tactical changes were needed.
The match began disastrously for Labyrinth FC Ladies when Shooting Stars capitalised on a defensive error inside the opening five minutes, slotting home a close-range finish to take an early lead. The visitors continued to press and doubled their advantage ten minutes later with a well-placed header, leaving the home defence scrambling. Labyrinth’s backline, marshalled by Javu and Phiri, struggled to contain the relentless Shooting Stars attack in the early stages.
Shooting Stars’ aggression was evident as they earned a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 27th minute, a warning sign of their physical approach. Despite this, they maintained control and extended their lead just before half-time with a composed finish inside the box, leaving Labyrinth FC Ladies trailing 3-0 at the break.
At half-time, the home side made two tactical substitutions to try and change the game’s momentum. Letlhogonolo Ditau replaced Oretshwanetse Phiri in central defence, while Kekana Masego came on for Kebitsang Vanessa on the right wing. These changes aimed to shore up the defence and inject fresh energy into the attack.
The second half saw a more disciplined Labyrinth FC Ladies side, but Shooting Stars continued to show their physicality, receiving another yellow card for a bad tackle in the 67th minute. The visitors’ aggression culminated in a red card at the 73rd minute for a particularly reckless challenge, reducing them to ten players.
Labyrinth FC Ladies seized the opportunity and pulled a goal back immediately from the resulting penalty. Resego Ntsayagae confidently converted from close range with her right foot, giving the home crowd a glimmer of hope. However, despite their efforts to mount a comeback, the deficit proved too great to overcome.
The match concluded with Shooting Stars securing a 3-1 victory, leaving Labyrinth FC Ladies to reflect on missed chances and defensive lapses. Standout performers for the home side included Mabalane Rachael, who was lively on the left wing throughout, and Mpho Kheswa, whose defensive work at right back was commendable despite the scoreline. The referee’s flawless control ensured the game was played fairly despite the physicality on display.
In summary, Labyrinth FC Ladies showed resilience but were ultimately undone by early errors and the clinical finishing of Shooting Stars at Dinie Estate Rustenburg.
