BDF XI's Metlhayotlhe puts on a show
Larona Makhaiza | Monday January 30, 2023 16:00
At individual level, it was the Thabo Metlhayotlhe show as he bagged his first hat-trick of the campaign. BDF XI coach, Letang Kgengwenyane was left elated by his side’s display, as they raced to an early three goal lead by the 21st minute.
But he felt his boys lost concentration and almost allowed Holy Ghost back into the game. “Scoring early is good and the boys did very well but the complacency is what cost us the clean sheet as the boys relaxed too much in the second half. I talked to them about this,” he said. The win against Ghost marked a third consecutive win for the army men.
BDF XI broke the deadlock as early as the fifth minute when Pelontle Lerole scored from a set piece on the edge of the box. Then the Metlhayotlhe show began as he opened his account seven minutes later.
He connected with a cross and headed past the goalkeeper. BDF XI continued piling the pressure on the rookies’ goal with countless attacks and Metlhayotlhe got his brace and his team’s third in the 21st minute.
The soldiers proved too strong for Holy Ghost and did not remove the foot off the pedal despite the comfortable lead. BDF XI went into the break leading 3-0. When the two sides came back from the break, Holy Ghost were much livelier following half time substitutions that changed the complexion of the match. Soon after resumption, Maatla Tshukudu nearly pulled one back for his team but goalkeeper, Kagiso Matlou was equal to the task.
At the other end, Ghost's defence was caught napping once more by goal poacher Metlhayotlhe as he bagged his hat-trick. The attacker finished past the keeper after the defense failed to clear its lines. Moments after BDF XI’s fourth goal, Holy Ghost started a spirited fight back, when Emmanuel Sekwena easily converted. The second half proved to be a 50/50 game with both teams taking the attack to each other.
The Ghost kept going and were rewarded with a second when Alphious Kgopa scored a cracker from outside the box. Senwelo then missed a sitter for BDF XI as his chance hit the woodwork. The defeat means Holy Ghost remain winless since their promotion into the Premier League at the start of the season, while the win gives BDF XI momentum in their pursuit for a top eight finish.
The teams Holy Ghosts: Katlego Mbise, Condry Masire, Mpho Dikganetswe, Kenosi Semako, Mmoloki Kebalepile, Michael Pillar, Emmanuel Sekwena, Arnold Lekwape, Abang Molobe (Alphious Kgopa), Lesley Ramaphane, Ishmael Amponsah BDF XI: Kagiso Matlou, Gaamangwe Thabe, Ronald Setshego, Onkabetse Seforo, Kago Ngongorego, Mogotsi Modise, Pelontle Lerole, Godiraone Modingwane, Thabo Metlhayotlhe, Thato Kananyo, Oratile Taunyane
Holy Ghost: 2 (Sekwena 55th, Kgopa 65th) BDF XI IX: 4 (Lerole 5th, Metlhayotlhe 12th, 21st, 53rd)