BDF XI Soldiers On

By Boitumelo Khutsafalo
Staff Writer | Monday November 16, 2009 00:00

 

Both goals came in the second half by midfielder, Patrick Motsepe who captained the side in the absence of suspended Mompati Thuma.

Just like previous matches, Killer Giants once again proved to be a very good side but they lacked firepower upfront. Zambian striker, Justin Bwalya who started on the bench against Rollers returned to the starting line up but he could not get the goals for the rookies.

Mokgathi Mokgathi who normally plays as a striker for the Zebras was deployed as a right winger and Lemponye Tshireletso and Peter Ngwenya partnered upfront for BDF XI. Tshireletso in particular was a major threat to Killer Giants' defence early in the second half but he failed to utilise the chances he got. In the 18th minute, he sneaked past Killer Giants' defence but shot over the bar.

BDF XI played more creatively in the second half and got the goals as Motsepe started moving forward more frequently. Killer Giants were the first to get a real scoring chance in the 59th minute when substitute Topo Piet sent a good ball in the box and found an unmarked Donald Mopako. The experienced captain however missed the ball. Seven minutes later, Motsepe started a move at the centre and ended up heading home from a good cross down the right. In the 79th minute, he completed his double with another free header that exposed the weakness of Killer Giants with crosses. Mokgathi nearly increased the lead in the 85th minute but his cracker was well saved by Killer Giants' goalkeeper.

After the match, Killer Giants' coach, Mmoloki Masole admitted that they lack firepower. 'We play well but we do not take our chances and games are won by goals,' he said. He expressed hope that the situation will improve as he keeps motivating his players.

BDF XI mentor, Stanley Mwaanga was happy with the maximum points but added that they should have scored more goals. He gave credit to his players for coming tops against a side that they do not know much about. He explained that the goals came as a result of pushing forward in the second half.

In other games played on Saturday, struggling sides, Notwane and Boteti Young Fighters played to a 2-2 draw in Orapa; Mochudi Centre Chiefs trounced visiting TAFIC 4-1 in Molepolole while Nico United and Gaborone United (GU) shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in Selebi-Phikwe. On Friday night, Rollers maintained their good run when they defeated BMC 2-1 in a game of two halves. Rollers dominated the proceedings in the first half and were rewarded with two goals before the break. In the second half, BMC came out blazing hot but they failed to utilise their chances until they scored a goal late in the second half. This leaves Rollers perched at the top with 21 points with eight games played. They now lead second-placed Nico with five points.