Classy win underlies Orapa�s progress
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday April 26, 2016 14:23
FRANCISTOWN: Madinda Ndlovu’s world has evolved dramatically over the last 12 months, while for Kobamelo Kebaikanye things have remained stagnant.
It was this time last year when Ndlovu had to take the “walk of shame” after his side crumbled in front of an unforgiving Gaborone United machine to lose the Mascom Top 8 final. Ginger haired, Kebaikanye had scored the first goal but immediately substituted in a move roundly criticised by Rollers fans then. Kebaikanye had scored to give Rollers what had appeared the winner before GU roared back to win the cup.
On Saturday, Kebaikanye rolled an exquisite pass to Segolame Boy who blasted what again, had appeared the winner in a match, which up to that point, had stubbornly refused to offer decent chances. Kebaikanye, in a sense of de javu, was substituted, with Sekhana Koko taking his place. Like GU, Orapa United stormed back in stunning fashion to win the game 3-1 after extra time.
The classy win, emphasised the strides local football has made with an eye pleasing display particularly from the new champions, who showed very little respect for their more illustrious opponents. In fact, Ndlovu’s tactical ability, unlike a year ago, was roundly applauded this time around as his opposite number, Mark Harrison saw his charges crumble like a deck of cards.
First, Ronald Chikomo produced an audacious overhead kick which left the maligned Kabelo Dambe nothing more than a mere spectator.
Thabang Sesinyi then bungled high and into the roof deep in extra time to set Botswana’s most consistent team in the last two seasons, on their way. But the contender of the goal of the match arrived via the boot of substitute Onkabetse Mankgantai to sound Rollers’ death knell.
The former Nico United winger collected from the impressive Sesinyi, saw Dambe slumbering under the lights before clipping delicately an effort which swerved before making the right trajectory at the crucial moment.
It was a clinical finish which matched Orapa’s meteoric rise over the last two seasons. The Orapa side finished 2014/2015 season unbeaten at home and are just one game away from repeating the same feat this season. The Orapa management has been praised for their prudent handling of the team, which has managed to stay clear of negative attention.
While Rollers contains a number of stars most of whom raised a lot of queries about their future with their lifeless performances, Orapa is a star team.
Goalkeeper, Mosimanegape Roberts showed Dambe how it is supposed to be done with top-notch reflexes and excellent reading of the game. The tireless Chikomo reminded GU what they let go with another gritty performance, while defender Olekantse Mambo showed why he has been a recipient of rave reviews.
Orapa are still in contention of the beMOBILE Premiership title race and have already pocketed a record P1.2million for their win in the Mascom Top 8.