16 Aug 2015

BDF XI  beat Orapa United 2-0 in a be Mobile Premiership game at the SSKB on Saturday August 15. 

Despite the win, BDF XI’s new gaffer, Beston Chambeshi, said he was in no hurry to put his players under pressure by setting any target in the first round.

Speaking in a post-match interview after his first game on the bench with Matebele, Chambeshi said his priority was to ensure that his team gels by trying different combinations.

He said this would help the team to be more competitive when the second round starts. 

Chambeshi was happy with the response of his players especially after losing their opening game with a heavy score line.

“My team has not yet combined well, but I am happy with the way we played today, especially against a team of Orapa United’s calibre and I hope my players continue with this mentality, but like I said, I am sill observing them to see where we need to fine tune,” he said.

On a light moment, Chambeshi also expressed his delight at the support that was provided by the new recruits, saying they provided the right atmosphere needed by a home team. “As the home team our supporters should be more dominant and visible than when we are playing away,” he said.

The new recruits poured into the small SSKB stadium in batches to fill it to capacity and provided support in song throughout the game.

This support seemed to have worked well as Matebele were on the driving pedestal throughout the game, only to be let down by poor finish in the first half. The visitors managed to hold on under pressure until the 32nd minute when man-of-the-match, Mosha ‘Fanta’ Gaolaolwe rose to nod home an Ofentse Mmipi free kick at the near post to give the home side a slim lead into recess.

In the second half, there was not much change as BDF XI continued to enjoy more ball play, but still failed to score. 

In the 52nd minute, Orapa United goalkeeper, Mosimanegape Robert committed a school-boy error when he spilled a lame ball at the feet of Patrick Kaunda, who slotted home from close range in his debut to give Matebele a more comfortable lead.

The disappointed Orapa United assistant coach, Oitsile Koontse blamed their loss on concentration lapse in the middle of the park. 

“We played well for the first 15 minutes of the game, but our midfield started losing concentration as the game progressed and this destroyed us. We gave BDF XI too much room to manoeuvre and they pushed us all the way, which forced us to be defensive, hence our limited chances in attack,” he said.

He said they only started attacking in the last minutes of the game, but then BDF XI set back to defend the lead. ENDS