21 Oct 2014

Be Mobile Premier League rookies, Letlapeng gave Notwane a scare in an otherwise boring game held at SSKB on October 19.

A second half goal from Lemogang ‘Ntoche’ Maswena was enough to seal victory for Sechaba who needed maximum points to stay clear of the relegation zone.

Notwane supporters breathed a sigh of relief after Letlapeng had been threatening, but wasted numerous opportunities. Tshegofatso Chimuku and Phenyo Magosi ensured that Notwane’s defenders remained on their toes, while at the other end, it was Saukani Zulu, Farai Maphosa and Maswena who made Letlapeng defenders stand on their toes.

Both teams could have scored at least two goals in the first half but they wasted the opportunities they had. In one instance, a good cross from Magosi hovered above everyone’s heads while Zulu wasted a scoring chance after he was one on one with the goalkeeper.

Itumeleng Selapa played a long goal kick and Zulu managed to out run Letlapeng defenders only for his shot to be stopped by goalkeeper Tumiso Mashakola. Notwane’s Kebaletetse Pelaelo had an unpleasant afternoon and he was consequently substituted by Tumelo Nshakiwa.

At recess, the two teams were at tied and in the second half Letlapeng started taking the game to their opponents forcing an early corner kick, which they however failed to convert. In one instance, Selapa was saved by his defenders while in another, Letlapeng could have scored but two players from the team collided after going for the same ball.

Zulu in desperation tried a long range shot but it ballooned over the bar. Notwane then made substitutions, introducing Tlotlo Mpema for Odirile ‘Deco’ Kgaodi while Letlapeng substituted Wellington Maposa for Koketso Mokgatitswane.

As the game progressed, with both teams missing numerous chances, more substitutions were made by both sides. Tlhalefang Molefe went out for Busang Roberts and Letlapeng replaced Michael Pillar with Lebogang Ditsile.

The substitutions worked for Notwane as they started taking control of the game. Towards end of regulation time, Maswena received a cross beating Letlapeng goalkeeper to it and with composure, he managed to control it and sent the supporters in jubilation after breaking the deadlock.

Letlapeng had an opportunity to score and salvage a point but Ditsile wasted the penalty, hitting the upright post. Through the victory, Notwane now has 10 points and number 12 in the league while Letlapeng is number 14 with 3 points from nine games. Ends