Orapa United inflict more pain on troubled Notwane
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday October 28, 2013 15:09
The defeat was another debilitating setback for Toronto after their South African professionals threatened to quit because they had been kicked out of their accommodation. There were reports that the players had also not been paid their salaries. With the executive chairman, Gift Mogapi said to be in South Africa, players downed tools for almost the entire week. With the state of affairs, it was not certain whether Notwane would honour the fixture against Orapa United as players had threatened not to turn-up for the game.
Notwane had reportedly asked the Botswana Premier League (BPL) to postpone their games but hit a brick wall. However, following an intervention by club elders, players were convinced to honour the fixture to avoid punishment from BPL. Two South African players, Manqoba Ngwenya and Benedict Vilakazi however were not at the game. Last week they threatened to quit the club after reports that they were stranded and had no place to stay. By Thursday, Gaborone Sun, where they had been staying had refused to release their luggage because of unpaid bills.
The two have been influential for Toronto since arriving at the beginning of the season. In their absence, coach Kaizer Kobedi opted for Oteng Moalosi in the middle of the park where Vilakazi, a former South African international normally pulls the strings. Striker Pako Moloi made a return to the starting line up, filling the gap left by Ngwenya.
It seemed Orapa United knew how to exploit Notwane's troubles and wasted no time in meting out punishment. Former ECCO City Greens midfielder, Mmoloki Kafuko was pulling strings in the midfield, while Thabang Mosige gave Notwane defence a torrid time. In less than 10 minutes, Orapa United were 1-0 up through Mosige. Moloi, Lubinda and Lemogang Maswena who normally lift Notwane especially when the going gets tough struggled to settle in the match. Pako Moloi was substituted as early as the first half with Emmanuel Masisi coming in to replace him.
As Notwane tried to re-group, Orapa United increased their lead through Oaitse Leeme. The exciting player scored a beautiful curler, giving Notwane goalkeeper, Itumeleng Selapa no chance. The goal came just after Selapa pulled a brilliant save in a one-on-one situation but he was let down by the slow reaction of the defence that allowed Leeme to slot the ball at the far corner. Orapa United went to the half-time break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
After the break, Notwane tried to up their game with Maswena getting more involved, but fatigue finally caught up with Toronto. Orapa United protected their lead pocketed an important away victory.