21 Oct 2018

Striker Bakang Makgoleke scored the opening goal and assisted the third one as Matebejana secured an emphatic 3-0 derby victory against Mogoditshane Fighters, which took them to the top of the Debswana First Division South league standings on Saturday afternoon.

‘Tiger Kloof’ as Matebejana affectionately call themselves, showed their intentions in the match when they hit the post through Nicholas Molapisane’s well taken free-kick at Fighters ground. But they almost fell behind in the 17th minute after goalkeeper Agnecious Tebagano spilled the ball inside the penalty area, but Fighters midfielder Mothusi Maika placed the inviting opportunity wide of the goalposts.

After nearly conceding, Matebejana put their more illustrious opponents under pressure, and midfielder Obakeng Mabechwana threaded a great pass to former Extension Gunners striker Onalethata Khuta who fired over the post. Midway through the first half, Khuta who gave the Fighters defence a torrid time, spurned a free header inside the six yard area after a good cross from right-back Khaulani Mbuya.

Matebejana were finally rewarded for their good football in the 65th minute when Makgoleke buried a great header after connecting with a cross from the right wing. Two minutes later, Molapisane doubled the lead with a well taken free-kick from the edge of the penalty area which left goalkeeper Botlhe Moralo rooted to the spot. Substitute Cosmos Folai then sealed the well-deserved victory in the 75th minute after collecting a pass from Makgoleke and rounded Moralo before slotting into an empty net.

It was the second victory in two matches for Matebejana after they beat Red Sparks 1-0 last weekend and they now lead the league with six points. Fighters on the other hand sunk to the bottom of the log after losing their second match in a row.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Matebejana assistant coach Derrick Malunga said his team managed to win the match convincingly because they were fitter than their opponents.

“They got tired a little bit in the second half because they were using older players while we have a young squad. It is our third season in the first division and my players have learned a lot and I believe that we will continue winning matches,” he said.

Matebejana struggled last season and nearly got relegated to the lower division. However, Malunga said they will be aiming for the three points in every match this season.

In other matches, Jwaneng Fighters fell to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Black Peril, while Union Flamengo Santos were held to a 1-1 draw by Broadhurst United at the SSG. Blue Stars shared the spoils with Black Rangers after playing to a goalless draw at Kgaphamadi Primary School in Ghanzi, while Mochudi Rovers stunned Gilport Lions 1-0 in Mochudi. Modipane United and Red Sparks played to a one all draw in Modipane. ends