15 Jan 2019

Kgatleng Regional Football Division One outfit, Bokaa Young Pirates beat Mochudi United 2-0 during a Kgatleng  Football League game on Saturday.

United failed to draw the first blood in the 11^th minute as midfielder Phetogo Motlhanka’s powerful shot outside the 18^th area  was saved by Pirates’ Nonofo Masusu.

  Two minutes later Pirates made an attack, which resulted in the goal poacher Ditshele Letshwenyo being fouled outside the 18^th yard box. From a well taken free kick, Letshwenyo rose above United defenders to head home beating goal minder Tebogo Ramotswetla to give his team a lead.

United searched for an equaliser and unfortunately lost a golden opportunity as middle-fielder Kagiso Setlhabi ballooned the ball over the bar, leading to the game going to recess with Pirates leading.

A minute into the second half, United goal keeper Ramotswetla nearly made a blunder as he failed to handle an easy ball inside the box, but Pirates forwards wasted the opportunity.

In the 55^th minute, Pirates right back Otsile Solane got a yellow  card for tackling Kago Moje.

The extreme heat made the referee to halt the game for few minutes as he was not feeling well. After the referee was attended to, United, who were piling pressure with the trio of Phetogo Motlhanka, Ralefala and Moje making interchange of passes in front of 18^th box resulting in Moje shooting wide.

Another opportunity by the visitors came in the 75^th minute inside the 16^th yard when three players failed to convert due to miscommunication. 

Pirates increased their lead in the 78^th minute, when the speedy substitute Kagiso Ramanomang connected with a ball inside the 18^th yard box from the left.

The hosts, who were sure of maximum points and in command, brought in former Mochudi Centre Chiefs middle-fielder and National U-23 player Elijah ‘Hustler’ Montsho in the 85^th minute. 

The victory gives Young Pirates an edge as they now lead the log with a clear six points.

Pirates coach, Nkadile Medupe said they came with one motive, of getting maximum points to extend their lead and the players played according to plan.

United coach, Gaone Thebe said the players did not take instructions well and lost concentration hence they did not utilise chances created.

He highlighted that going forward they would work on their defence and attack to go back to their winning ways.

In other league games played over the weekend, Modipane Black Mambas thrashed Bokaa United 3-1 while Eastern Tigers also registered a 4-1 victory over Atlas Lions.  Marioh Fighters played to a 2-all draw with Black Aces while Mountain Birds beat Oodi Fast XI by two goals to one.

Blackpool demolished Real Masters by 5-1 and Oodi Black Aces beat Central Fighters by 2-1. ENDS