09 May 2016

As beMOBILE premier league came to an end, some teams were fighting hard to finish the season with some silver ware while others were vying for a position in the top eight.

Unfortunately, there were those who were rooted at the bottom of the log. These clubs were fighting tooth and nail to avoid being dropped from the elite league.

Lobatse -based Extension Gunners fought hard to keep Palapye -based Motlakase Power Dynamos at the bottom of the league by hammering them 2-0 at Lobatse Sports Complex on Saturday.

Gunners’ players displayed composure and potency as the first half kicked off and the speed of the game gained momentum from loud cheers from Mapantsula fans who sang their victory songs and that pushed Mapantsula boys knocking at the Chouka Chouka yard.

Gunner’s captain Jomo Moatlhaping and his boys visited Motlakase yard more often but came empty handed.

On the other hand, Chouka boys with the help of Lapologang Motlogi and Mpho Odubeng also tried their luck to shake the Gunners defence but their efforts hit a snag as Gunners boys humiliated them.

The referee called for half time and both teams were still nil-nil though the game was awarded two minutes extra time as the first half was marred with many fouls though none of the players from either teams got punished with a card.

After the half time, both teams came with blazing guns vying for goals and in the 72^nd minute, Mandla Mgadla hit the back of the Chouka boys’ net, registering the first goal of the match after a brilliant pass from Mothusi Cooper.

Cooper was a marvel to watch as he displayed stunning attacks and he contained Chouka boys as they never find a way to snatch a ball from his magic feet.

The goal seemed to give Mapantsula boys morale as they pushed hard to their opponents’ side seeking more goals tossing Motlakase goal keeper, Daniel Kedidimetse from pillar to post.

Boitshoko Zikhale was replaced by Emmanuel Machinya after he displayed some robust attacks throughout the first half and the beginning of the second half.

In less than three minutes, Nare’s substitution plan bore fruits as Machinya secured the team a second goal who left many in dismay after he scored some metres away from the 18^th yard box.

Boitumelo Modisaotsile was replaced by Tshegofatso Chimuku while Mgadla made way for Thabiso Mabachi and Oris Radipotsane roped in Itumeleng Mabuaame replacing Boipelo Oaitse.

Unfortunately, Radipotsane’s substitution plan did not change the game plan for the Chouka boys as they remained trailing the Peleng giants as they took control of the game till the end.

Gunners’ goal keeper, Wagarre Dikago was unfortunate after being slapped with a yellow card after wasting time with the ball.

In an interview after the game, Gunners coach, Chicco Nare, said the boys fought like soldiers though they failed to make it to top eight.

He said, the team needed a lot of players of similar qualities in all positions to beef up the team and make a powerful squad.

Motlakase coach, Radipotsane, lauded his boys for putting up a strong fight against the Peleng giants.

He said they would continue working hard to improve their performances for the next coming seasons. END