Lions optimistic despite debut defeat
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday August 19, 2025 09:42
Lions 0
Sua 2 (Mafoko ninth, Boy 74th)
The much-anticipated debut turned into a lesson for the league’s youngest side, who were second best for most of the afternoon. Flamingoes looked sharper, more composed, and deservedly walked away with all the three points.
Speaking after the game, stand-in head coach, Aasif Bhamjee, admitted the side will need time to adjust but vowed improvement is on the horizon.
“There are positives to take away from this game. We look forward and we would go back to the drawing board, and there are still good things to come,” Bhamjee said.
“It is a first year for the project so we are not looking to be up there. We will be up there eventually but for now we want to keep our status, stay in the league, and compete with the top eight,” he added.
The visitors got off to a dream start, with Botshelo Mafoko finishing off a neat move in the ninth minute to silence the home crowd. Flamingoes dominated the match for long spells of the first half, pinning Lions back and forcing errors.
Lions’ best chance to respond came midway through the first period when Collen Mateu found himself free in the box but fluffed his lines.
That proved costly as Flamingoes went into the break with a slender but deserved 1-0 lead.
When the two teams went back to the pitch, Sua picked up where they left off.
Lions’ goalkeeper, Maikano Tladinyana, kept his side alive with a brilliant stop from a free-kick on the hour mark, but the pressure would not relent.
A defensive mix-up in the 74th minute gifted Flamingoes their second goal. On debut, Segolame Boy curled a trademark strike into the top corner to put the game beyond reach.
The teams:
Lions: Maikano Tladinyane, Martin Nfila (Dirang Pilane), Sylvester Leririma, Kao Sekwati, Gape Gaogangwe, Thato Mogorosi, Escobar Raditsebe, Kevin Bulala, Dumisane Kubane, Collen Mateu, Xolani Mmolawa (Tshepo Kesenogile)
Sua: Keletso Lekuni, Ngwako Ramokgathi, Kaone van der Westhuizen, Thato Seagateng, Obusitswe Gabadise, Phenyo Serameng (Marius Kotze), Mcebisi Moyo, Segolame Boy, Boyo Lechaena (Samuel Makgoro), Tlhalefo Molebatsi, Botshelo Mafoko (Bame Morwalela)