In a gripping encounter at Dinie Estate Rustenburg on 13 July 2025, Labyrinth Football Club faced off against Young Kicks in a league home match that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. The match kicked off at 3:00 pm and saw both teams battling fiercely for supremacy, with the home side showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.
With 10 men on the start, Labyrinth FC lined up in a traditional 4-4-1 formation, which saw Rapula Malusi stationed as the goalkeeper. The defensive line comprised Katlego Maphaeelle and Kwazinkosi Sibanda as right and left defenders, respectively, while Thabiso Nthako and Monchusi Motlhatswi anchored the central defence. In midfield, Prince Moemi and Ontsheketse Motlhetlhi operated on the right and left flanks, with Jacob Zimba and Pule Phosisi occupying central roles. Up front, Labyrinth deployed two forwards, with Gift Manda leading the attack. The formation aimed to provide a solid defensive structure while allowing for quick transitions to exploit the flanks.
The substitutes for Labyrinth included Gomolemo Mabalane and Pogisho Molaolwa, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams probing for openings. However, it was Labyrinth's Thabiso Nthako who found himself in the referee's book after receiving a yellow card for a infringements inside the box in the 37th minute and a penalty was awarded to the visitors that they converted, taking a 1-0 lead just before half-time.
As the second half commenced, Labyrinth struggled to regain their composure, and within two minutes, Young Kicks doubled their advantage. A defensive mistake allowed the opponents to score from outside the box in the 47th minute, leaving Labyrinth trailing 2-0 and in desperate need of a response.
Labyrinth's frustrations continued as Monchusi Motlhatswi received a yellow card in the 62nd minute for an unspecified infringement, further complicating their efforts to mount a comeback. However, the tide began to turn when Labyrinth made a tactical substitution in the 82nd minute, bringing on Gomolemo Mabalane for Gift Manda. This change proved to be a masterstroke.
In the 84th minute, Mabalane found the net with a well-executed set piece, striking with his left foot to pull one back for Labyrinth. The goal injected new life into the home side, who were now determined to salvage a point from the match.
With momentum on their side, Labyrinth continued to press forward. Just four minutes later, in the 88th minute, Mabalane struck again, this time benefiting from a long pass by Kwazinkosi Sibanda. He finished with precision, levelling the score at 2-2 and sending the home crowd into raptures.
As the final whistle blew, both teams were left to reflect on a match that showcased the unpredictability of football. Labyrinth's Jacob Zimba was recognised for his outstanding performance, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match. The draw leaves both teams with much to ponder as they look ahead to their next fixtures.
