28 Jan 2014

BDF XI coach, Elijah Chikwanda was all smiles after his team humiliated Nico United 5-2 in the first leg of Mascom Top 8 semifinals played at SSKB on January 29.

The BDF XI aka Matebele gaffer was facing his former team although he said it was not an emotional game. He left Majombolo following a disagreement with the team’s management and landed at SSKB after Letang ‘Rasta’ Kgengwenyane left the team for further studies.

Chikwanda explained that they were just a foot in the finals although he said he was disappointed that his defenders let in two goals, which could prove ‘dangerous’ going to the second leg to be played in Selebi Phikwe on February 8.

He said they were looking forward to wrapping up the semifinal although he was cautious saying they would continue to be careful especially as their opponents continued to fight despite the margin they suffered.

“We are nearer, just a step into the finals,” he said in an interview. For Nico coach, Kenneth Mogae, they were not ready to give up despite the margin as they were prepared to fight to the bitter end.

“Giving up is not an option. We still have a second leg to play,” he said. Nico played with a man down after their erstwhile striker, Gift Moyo was sent out for ball handling in the second half, something Mogae was not happy about.

“The referee (Lekgotla Johannes) was not fair although I do not want to openly criticise him or blame him for the loss. It is unfortunate that Moyo was sent out just when I was about to make tactical changes,” he said.

Moyo was given a first yellow card for ball handling in the first half, something which some spectators saw as harsh especially as it seemed unintentional, the same thing that resulted with the second yellow and subsequent ejection.

Other than the coaches, it was an eventful afternoon for Lesego Lubinda who had a busy day, becoming the first player to score a hat trick this year. Nico United’s tried and tested goalkeeper Basimanebotlhe Moilwa was benched and replaced by Segakolodi Ntima.

The youthful goalkeeper who did not have an experience in top flight football received a rude awakening although at times his defence marshaled by Monametsi ‘Sunday’ Kelebale let him down.

BDF XI made their intention known as immediately the referee blew his whistle they piled pressure on their opponents and were rewarded in the third minute through Saukani Zulu following a corner kick. Nico players however were of the opinion that the ball did not cross the line but Johannes pointed to the centre following a signal from his assistant.

Majombolo tried to return to the game and opted for long passes as they attacked from flanks. The Selebi Phikwe based team did not have a ball player in midfield hence it gave BDF XI room to play. BDF XI could have increased their tally but Kabelo Seakanyeng’s attempt went wide as he tried to lobby the ball over the advancing Ntima.

At recess, the score line was 1-0 in favour of Matebele and they started the second half on high gear and extended the lead through Lubinda.

This erupted with a song by the BDF recruits who had come in large numbers to add colour in an otherwise dull atmosphere as the two teams do not enjoy a huge following. Chikwanda made the first change, Boitumelo Mafoko coming in for Thato Ogopotse.

Nico pulled one back and made it 2-1. Moyo and supporters were expecting a dramatic end before he was given a red card after he handled the ball. Mogae responded by bringing in Odumetse Rakoma and Onkabetse Makgantai for Mponang Mponang and Nelson Moreetsi.

The change added power upfront for Majombolo and they started tormenting their opponents. Seeing his ship sinking, Chikwanda roped in Mokgathi Mokgathi for Master Masitara.

As Nico searched for an equalizer, BDF XI also pressed forward and they were eventually rewarded through Bonolo Phuduhudu who pounced on a loose ball after Ntima failed to hold on following the first shot. Lubinda made the game beyond Nico United’s reach after he calmly dribbled past Ntima leaving him sprawled on the ground and netted his team’s fourth goal.

The writing was on the wall and Lubinda increased his tally and put the final nail in Nico’s coffin after he received a cross from Seakanyeng. Nico United however refused to give up and eventually Richard Legwaila scored his team’s second goal to ensure hope returns to his team. ENDS