MATEBELE COLLECTS MAXIMUM POINTS

BY:Phodiso  Gaebepe
LOBATSE; BDF XI collected maximum points from the struggling Notwane FC at the Lobatse Sports Complex as they beat them 2-0 on the 8th October 2018. The road seems to be tough for the newly returned Toronto.

Matebele started this season on a high note as they are seated on position three (3) with 17 points just 2 points away from Rollers who are on top of the log with 19 points. They started the game showing those intentions of a win, in just the first minute Moatlhodi Ralesota made a great run and received a pass just behind the Notwane defence but failed to convert it.

The absence of Brain Botsang of Toronto was very visible as we saw primary school errors from the Toronto defence that cost them the game. One could see from the body language of Notwane players that a win would be a bonus for them. There was no fighting spirit which they displayed against Jwaneng Galaxy and other teams which they played against. The boys were too casual on the ball, the usual high pressing was not there.

On the other hand Matebele did not bring their A-game but could easily create chances,  Kucinich Sibanda was on enjoying in the midfield as Legwaila of Notwane was totally unavailable for business. He won all the balls and and was able to distribute them nicely without any competition.  Richard Legwaila was so slow on the day he won less balls, when he wins one, the final pass was so poor and mostly failed to find the teammate. Sthembile Mbuque as usual was the only one who was showing presence in that game. He was trying his best to create goals with his skills. He was able to pass through the BDF XI’ s players so easily. That is why he was fouled most. He was too dangerous for them. The problem is that he did not have support. 

Thabiso Boti was not fighting for aerial balls in front, was not pressing and chasing down the Matebele defence, they were on holiday. The crosses were dealt with easily by the BDF XI s goalkeeper Tumiso Mashakola. He even won a man of the match as he was on top of his game on the day.

However Matebele were a bit hard on Toronto as they got a few yellow cards because of their rough tackles especially on Terry. Keagile Kobe got a yellow card, Moagi Mokomeng also got a yellow card. The goalkeeper also got a yellow card for time wasting. The two goals they got in the first half of the game were enough for them to seal the victory.As i mentioned earlier, primary student errors from Notwane defence, a corner kick came in and defender Keolopile Molemi failing to clear the ball.The ball found the foot of Kennedy Taukobong and simply scored it. Another error from the defence missing the ball again, this time around it was Ralesota on the ball, nicely controlled the ball and took a very good shot to beat Pepukani. On the second half Notwane came back a different team. They were able to defend better and hold the ball more. We saw a few nice touches from them, we saw more attacks from them especially on the right side for Tlhalefo.

The problem is that they failed to connect nicely going forward.  The BDF defense was rock solid with Taukobong cleaning everything. The substitutes of Matebele were Onkgolotse Motlhabankwe, Oratile Taunyane and Thato Kakanyo coming in for Botsalo R. Oatlhotse, Moatlhodi Ralesota and Phenyo Serameg. While for Notwane  were Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Lesego Lubinda and Moshe Tlhaolang coming in for Ke reng Mpegang, Thato Moganana and Topo Piet. The game ended 2-0 in favour of BDF XI.  

​Other games played today were Mochudi Centre Chiefs 2-1 Security Systems, Miscellaneous Sporting Club 1-0 Police XI.

The line up for BDF XI; Tumiso Mashakola, Pelontle Lerole, Othusitse Mpharitlhe, Kennedy Taukobong, Onkabetse Seforo, Moagi Mokomeng, Botsalo R. Oatlhotse, Mgcini Sibanda, Moatlhodi Ralesota, Keagile Kobe, Phenyo Serameng. 
Reserves were; Michael James, Goitseone Kusane, Abi Ramodiane, Onkgolotse Motlhabankwe, Tumisang Pule, Oratile Taunyane, Thato Kakanyo.

For Notwane were; Michael Pepukani, Ke reng Mpetang, Katlego Koobake, Keolopile Molemi, Thato Seagatleng, Richard Legwaila, Thato Moganana, Sithembile Mbuque, Thabiso Boti, Topo Piet, Tlhalefo Molebatsi.
Reserves;
 Tshomarelo More, Moshe Tlhaolang, Lesego Lubinda, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Mpho Gaegopolwe, Emmanuel Sekwena, Amos Godirwang ​