08 Feb 2015

Defending beMOBILE League champions Township Rollers suffered their third loss this season, Friday, February 6 after going down 2-0 to BDF XI in the absence of their Zimbabwean mentor Madinda Ndlovu.

Despite starting on a high note, with fans’ favorite Dirang Moloi making his debut for the MmaMasire camp, Rollers missed two crucial chances through captain Sekhana Koko in the opening half.

However, BDF XI alas Matebele utilised their rare chances to shoot down the arguably most supported side that boasts crème de la crème of Botswana foot ballers through wing back Othusitse Mpharitlhe and midfielder Lerato Mosweu in both halves.

After a resultant free-kick on the edge of the box, Matebele’s sniper Mpharitlhe whipped a sublime curler that left Mwampule Masule rooted on the goal-line.

Soon after, Matebele keeper Takudzwa Ndoro came to his side’s rescue, clobbering away a Moloi’s header that could have saved Popa some blushes.

Though Dirang gave BDF XI some torrid time in the midfield, showing no signs of rustiness despite a long break away from competitive football due to his contractual issues with Democratic Republic of Congo’s Don Bosco side, Matebele weaved spell binding passes and at times looked ruthless on attack.

Dirang’s treachery in the midfield earned Matebele captain Bonolo Phuduhudu a caution after the latter lunged on the lanky and newly signed Popa’s midfield maestro.

Immediately after recess Namibian international and Popa’s talisman Jerome Louis missed a goal-scoring opportunity after the hard running Kobamelo Kebaikanye set him up for an early equaliser.

In trying to rescue the situation, Rollers’ stand in coach Teenage Mpote introduced Jerome Ramatlhakwane in place of captain Koko. However, Mosha Gaolaolwe and the youthful Matebele rear guard looked set to dowse Popa’s fire.

It was a few minutes towards the end of the game that Mosweu benefited from a rebound and unleashed a missile behind Masule’s net to condemn the fully packed stadium clad in the proud blue and gold to misery.

However, the win was no surprise for Matebele tactician Letang Kgengwenyane whose ambitious target is to rebuild the winning team that he left during his study leave.

In a post match interview Kgengwenyane conceded that the win was a motivation to his young side but was quick to point out that they will uproot any signs of complacency on his charges.

“Of course it is a big win for us and I’m back in business,” claimed Kgengwenyane who was not part of the Matebele side last season due to other commitments. 

His return saw the Zambian tactician Elijah Chikwanda shown the door for positing poor results by Matebele standards.

Rasta, as Kgengwenyane is affectionately called by his fans, revealed that they were preparing for CAF competitions and he was drilling his charges for any eventualities that may arise. 

He was upbeat that if told to play a week from now, his charges would be ready as he puts them on intense training to enable them overpower opponents.

It appeared it was a wise business decision for BDF XI to take their game to Serowe where they benefited from a huge Popa following that had to come from all corners of Botswana to converge in the centre, Serowe Sports complex.  ENDS