20 Jan 2019

Sharps Shooting Stars and Jwaneng Galaxy played to a two all draw in a BTC Premiership battle match played at Molepolole sports Complex on January 19.

The Jwaneng giants failed to close the gap between them and log leaders Township Rollers after Sharps came from behind to equalize on two occasions.

Galaxy started on a high note with their fast paced attacks, but the Old Naledi side remained calm and collected at the back.

Galaxy continued exerting pressure on Sharps defence forcing Bobby Mathe into a series of reflexe saves.

In the 14th minute a combination of well-coordinated passes between Thero Setsile, Olebogeng Malebye and Gilbert Baruti had Terrence Modikwe’s defence working overtime, clearing every ball that came their way. The game continued with Galaxy playing more offensive forcing Sharps into defensive retreat.

Sharps were left exposed at the back leaving Galaxy to enjoy more possession in middle of the park. After dominating the game for 20 minutes without any breakthrough, Galaxy’s efforts finally paid off from unselfish possession football with a one touch series of passes between Miguel Duarte’s forward trio of Patrick Kaunda and Setsile tearing Sharps back five open.

Batsile utilised a one on one chance after he found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, taking a well-placed low shot at the bottom corner.

Bafana ba Zola’s midfield was in disarray as they kept loosing possession to their opponents in the middle of the park. In an effort to beef up his defence, coach Motlahale Kentse was forced to make an early substitution before recess by pulling out Mothusi Luzile and bringing in Letlhogonolo Chenjela, solidifying his left back that Setsile left in tatters.

In the 36th minute, the Jwaneng side broke away on the right side with Kaunda’s crispy cross too high for Batsi to reach.

In a desperate effort to motivate his side, Monageng Thaele kept taking long range shots that were not precise to give goalkeeper Ezekiel Morake any hard time.

In his debut game for Galaxy after returning from South Africa, Lebogang Ditsele played the motivating role for Galaxy’s defence as he was commanding his midfield role with authority.

On the other side centre back, Lawrence Nduga was tirelessly overworking trying to regulate Sharps midfield from his defensive position that seemed to be what was lacking for Bafana ba Zola.

With only three minutes into the second half, Takunda Sadiki pulled one back for his side as he scored on his debut. The new man had only to chip Mathe to give the Old Naledi side an equaliser from Chenjela’s well-placed low pass.

In an effort to increase pace going forward Galaxy Stars coach introduced Tebogo Sembowa after taking out Atisang Batsi.

As the game progressed Galaxy Stars were more eager to take the lead for the second time as they looked more threatening with their counter attacks. However, Bakani Mandaza’s timely interceptions and clearances became crucial to deny Galaxy goal chances.

In the 76th minute, Jwaneng Galaxy scored from a corner kick after the Sharps defence failed to clear Kaunda’s powerless header.

A few minutes after Galaxy’s goal,  Charles Mujukeri silenced the mining towns supporters with a well struck shot outside the 18 yard area, cutting short Galaxy’s jubilant mood.

In the dying minutes both teams gained momentum as they were attacking each other in both ends. ENDS