20 Feb 2013

Wonder Sporting Club consolidated their first division south log-leadership by edging strugglers Mochudi Buffaloes 2-1 on Sunday.

The match played at the SSG ground marked the end of the first round. The victory was a welcome return to winning ways for the police-backed team after three successive draws had threatened to derail their promotion bid. They have now completed the first round on pole position with 22 points from 11 outings.

However, the hosts were made to sweat for the three points as a gallant Buffaloes belied their lowly status in the log and fought hard in an evenly balanced first half.

But Wonder Sporting, fielding a team full of former elite league players such as goalkeeper Jackson Legodi, Betsho Pius, Dennis Kaelo, Katlego Masole, Boitumelo Modisaotsile, Poloko Khole and Mkhululi Moyo, were more forceful in attack.

They curved the first opportunity of the match when former PoliceXI star, Pius put Gilbert Baruti through, but the striker blazed his effort over the bar in the 13th minute.

Buffaloes responded with a threat of their own. Godwin Sekgabo squared the ball for Pati Kgosimore and the winger lashed an inviting chance wide in the 18th minute.

Buffaloes then took the lead with a beautifully constructed goal in the 39th minute. Kgosimore controlled a long cross-field pass on the left wing and laid off a superb pass for the onrushing Pako Palai to stroke past Legodi.

Their celebrations were, however, short-lived as the inspirational Pius pulled Wonder back on level terms three minutes later. The midfielder bundled home a loose ball after Buffaloes goalkeeper, Maano Letsweletse parried Kagiso Itshubeng’s low shot back into play.

Kaelo, who controlled the midfield for Wonder, wasted a good chance midway through the second half when he shot wide with the goalkeeper at his mercy.

Wonder coach, Maitumelo ‘Junior’ Letlamoreng introduced Duncan Kgopolelo in the second half, and the former Zebras player immediately supplied a telling cross which was headed wide by Pius.

As time ticked away Wonder increased pressure on Buffaloes, forcing goalkeeper Letsweletse to work overtime. He denied Moyo in the 81st minutes, but the striker was then brought down by Tshupetso Tshipo inside the box with six minutes remaining.

The referee awarded a penalty much to the frustration of Buffaloes coach, Moshe Kooitsiwe. Itshubeng stepped up and slotted home the resultant penalty kick to hand his team victory. ENDS