13 May 2019

The southern region promotional playoffs in Mochudi came to a dramatic end with Masitaoka feeling robbed after Holy Ghost emerged victorious.  

It was a seesaw battle with Masitaoka needing victory over Bokaa Pirates with the hope that Holy Ghost would not win theirs against Kanye United. 

Holy Ghost and Masitaoka were favourites to clinch promotion to Debswana First Division South after winning their first games that set the tone for the rest of the tournament. 

However, the crowd favourites were Holy Ghost, a team made up of members of the Holy Ghost church. 

The team entertained the crowd with its enterprising football characterized by power play, dribbling skills and strikers’ speed. 

While Holy Ghost played attractive football, some sectors of supporters, especially those from Masitaoka, felt the team was being favoured. 

The team was awarded two penalties in different games with one being crucial in the championship victory. 

The team was given a penalty in their opening game against Pirates following a handball in the goal area. 

However, the much talked about penalty was against Masitaoka, with the Molepolole based team leading 2-1 and three minutes of regulation time left. 

The assistant referee received numerous blows and kicks from some supporters and players as Holy Ghost used the opportunity to equalise and be closer to gaining promotion. 

With the teams ending their game in a stalemate, a stage was set for a photo finish with Masitaoka needing a win and counting on a loss for their opponents. 

At the other end, Holy Ghost needed a victory to secure a place in a more lucrative league next season. 

On Sunday afternoon, games started at the same time with Masitaoka playing against Pirates at Mochudi Rovers grounds while Holy Ghost locked horns with Kanye United at Atlanta Chiefs. 

Masitaoka started their game with a high pace, playing power balls knowing that nothing but the victory was needed. 

They were playing against a side that lost all its games but did not want to take chances, given the rituals they performed before the game started. 

However, Pirates were determined not to drop points and for them, it was about honour. 

This frustrated Masitaoka who were in their fourth consecutive playoffs and hoped to earn promotion this time. 

However, it was in the second half that they managed to score two goals but their celebration was cut short by Holy Ghost's last-minute goal and they won the playoffs with 10 points while Masitaoka had only 8. 

The cup had to be ferried from Rovers grounds to Atlanta where Holy Ghost supporters were already celebrating and waiting patiently despite the late hours.  ends