01 Sep 2014

A superb strike from Gunners' Zambian forward, Nsongamili Shabby, against premier league rookies Letlapeng of Ramotswa, could have been enough to extend the bond between the Peleng side and their Serbian mentor.

Dragojlo Stanojlovic had come under heavy criticism from the hard to please Gunners supporters after a string of disappointing performances this season. 

During the past week, rumour flew thick and fast that the under-performing coach who was booted out by current leaders, Mochudi Centre Chiefs when the results were not coming, was to be replaced by a certain former Zimbabwean national team coach.

On Saturday, it was the energetic Serbian coach who had the last laugh when his charges clawed by a single goal the youthful Ramotswa side led by Thaloba Nthaga.

Drago pulled a surprise line up resting top marksman, Pako Modikwa, and tricky winger, Topo Pie,t in favour of Shabby who has had a nightmare of a season spending the rest of the league opening games warming the bench. Modikwa has been plucked from BDF XI after an impressive loan to the Lobatse side.

The result hoisted Drago’s men to the 11th spot in the standings, some eight points off the pace of leaders Mochudi Centre Chiefs after the opening four rounds of league fixtures, while Nthaga’s charges remained on the 12th place after picking up just three points against Orapa United in their league opener.

The visiting Lobatse side started off strongly, but it was Letlapeng who should have opened the scoring when the enterprising midfielder Bakang Jori misdirected his effort when the best option was to score. 

Moments later the youngster rounded Katlego Koobake but the latter used his hand to stop the ball for a free kick. Jori shot straight to Gunners keeper, Wagare Dikago.

Shabby could have opened the score line deep in the first half after being set up by tricky winger, Kelelelo Kgosimore but skewed his shot agonizingly wide off target. 

Shabby dusted himself up and moments later grabbed his advantage when he fired to the top right corner after pouncing to a loose ball inside the box to give Gunners the lead and final score.

Letlapeng tried their best to assert themselves on the game but their opponents continually frustrated them with their excellent passing and they only really had some chances in the second half when Tshegofatso Chimuku broke through and smashed the ball goalwards but was let down by his teammates’ indecisiveness in front of goal. 

Koketso Mokgantitshwane who was introduced as a substitute also did not disappoint as he linked with veteran playmaker Patrick Mathaba in the middle. ENDS