Deadlocked Matebele, Ostriches go for broke
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday March 11, 2016 12:29
The host, Matebele come into the fixture with an away goal advantage after they held the Ostriches to a 1-1 draw in Orapa. Matebele are fresh from a 4-1 win over Satmos in the league, while Orapa lost 1-0 to Mochudi Centre Chiefs last weekend.
The two teams have met three times this season with scales even. BDF XI won 2-0 at home before losing the reverse fixture 1-0 in Orapa. The Mascom first leg tie finished square.
Patrick Kaunda, Takunda Sadiki and Kumbulani Madziba gave the Ostriches’ defence a torrid time in Orapa. Ostriches will look to their recent acquisition, Onkabetse Makgantai to emulate his first leg performance.
The speedy winger came from the bench midway through the second half and gave BDF defence moments of uncertainty until the last whistle.
Ronald Chikomo’s robust play will also be instrumental in the encounter. Chikomo’s physical presence matched Matebele’s tough men in the first leg tie and the Zambian was rewarded with a goal for his troubles.
At the back Madinda Ndlovu will pin his hopes on Olekantse Mambo. The defender has been outstanding throughout the Ostriches campaign. Mambo commanded his defence well occasionally providing cover for Thabang Mosige who struggled to contain Kaunda.
Patrick Motsepe, Mandlaenkosi Sibanda and Patrick Lenyeletse make Orapa tick, but their last performance against BDF XI was dwarfed.
Orapa’s assistant coach, Zacharia Mudzazi said they are focused on their dream to reach the finals.
“(The) motivation is to re-write the history books,” he said.
“Our dream is to bring it (Mascom Top 8) to the north. It is also the first time Orapa United compete in this cup and our players are focused on becoming the first crop to win it.
We are in a perfect shape and we will take the game to BDF XI, we can’t sit back,” he added.
BDF XI coach, Benson Chambesi said his team is ready, except for Phenyo Mongala who is sick. “It’s a different ball game, we have to take it seriously, so we are going to attack. There is no need to defend, it’s the last leg of a cup game,” Chambesi said.