Malepa spearheads ECCO�s resurgence
Koketso Kgoboge | Wednesday March 23, 2016 13:53
Mamoja are now two points behind leaders, Mahalapye Hotspurs who edged Maun Tigers 1-0 in Mahalapye. Amahot is yet to visit Mamoja for the reverse tie and both teams have an identical goal difference.
Mamoja are pinning their promotion hopes on veteran marksman, Malepa ‘Chippa’ Bolelang who is now playing a more defensive role. The experienced Bolelang has been part of Mamoja Diski’s back four since the beginning of the second round and the former striker said he is familiar with his new role.
“It’s not the first time I play in this position,” he said.
“I learnt to play as a defender while I was a striker. I played with difficult defenders and I learnt from them. I did my part as a striker and I am happy to sit back and guide the youngsters and teach them the culture of this team.”
Bolelang also praised his teammates for their persistent chase of Amahot.
“Our motive is to go all the way and the guys are focused and relentless,” he said. “If it was possible they want to play every weekend, but so far so good.”
The weekend derby produced back and forth action. ECCO enjoyed better chances in the first half and were the first to break the deadlock on the half hour mark. A long clearance from the left was flicked by Lovers Mofokeng and fell for Onkemetse Powe who put it far from the goalkeeper with an easy header.
ECCO made it two in the 65th minute. After a series of one-twos from the centre, Powe was sent through on the right, he pinpointed Pontsho Sephutho with a low cross in the 16-yard and the striker buried it on an empty net.
Sensing defeat, GNT resorted to pumping the ball upfront and their change of play caused uncertainties in the ECCO defence. GNT’s relentless attacks bore fruit in the 71st minute through veteran Tamocha Bedi.
In other games played over the weekend, TAFIC beat Real Movers 2-1 while Palapye All Stars were 3-1 victors over TASC.
The Sowa Flamingoes and Tonota FC tie was cancelled due to rain while the Tsabothe and Kazungula encounter was also postponed.