Notwane, Prisons XI Share Spoils
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday February 22, 2016 15:01
Led by playmaker Sithembile Mbuque, Notwane enjoyed much possession in the early stages of the game but failed to penetrate Prisons XI’s defence. Their first real chance saw them take the lead in the 17th minute when Mbuque delivered a good cross into the box.
Thabang Watlala rose high above the Prisons’ defence and scored with a powerful header much to the delight of Notwane supporters who came in large numbers.
The goal paved way for an end-to-end match with both sides making brilliant moves going forward. Prisons XI equalised a minute before half time in almost a similar fashion as Notwane’s goal.
Their captain, Rapelang Oagile delivered a cross into the danger area and Tatenda Mbikiwa headed past Notwane’s goalkeeper.
Immediately after the break, Prisons XI took control of the match and pinned Notwane in their own half for some few minutes.
Their constant pressing game saw Notwane defender, Maatla Segokgo making a terrible mistake at the back, which nearly led to a goal. He tried to make a back pass to his goalkeeper, Thabang Mothabai, only to set up Prisons’ Mbikiwa but failed to capitalise with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Notwane also nearly scored five minutes later when Prisons’ Oagile tried to make a clearance at the back only to kick the ball to his own goalpost. He was saved by his goalkeeper, Andrew Race, who parried the ball away for a corner.
Prisons XI manager, Kgosietsile Loeto felt the 1-1 draw was a fair result considering that both teams had equal chances in the game. “It was a 50-50 game. We could have sealed the game early in the second half, but we missed a seater. It is a fair result for both teams, he said.
Notwane coach, Wire Kaelo said the result was good for his side especially because Prisons XI were the better side in the second half. “But I feel my playmaker was not protected enough by the referees. He is not someone who can knock another player down, but he was kicked the entire game,” he said.
Prisons XI: Andrew Race, Condry Masire, Tumo Lebanna, Tshepiso Matshuba, Gaolebale Tshelametse, Rapelang Oagile, Otsebentha Magowe, Taelo Nthomiwa, Omphile Lenyatso, Tatenda Mbikiwa, Tabona Ntlogelang (Kutlwano Sentsho)
Notwane: Thabang Mothabai, Peter Motheo, Gobonyeone Selefa, Brian Botsang, Maatla Segokgo, Emannuel Sekwena, Thato Mogorosi, Ronald Kefilwe (Langa Mabuli), Thabang Watlala, Sithembile Mbuque, John Ranku (Mokgathi Mokgathi)
Notwane 1 (Thabang Watlala 17th)
Prisons XI 1 (Tatenda Mbikiwa 44th)