Orapa United Concede Title Defeat
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 18, 2019 12:41
Orapa United have now fallen 11 points behind leaders, Township Rollers with just six games to play.
Mpote blamed the team’s current situation on the numerous technical team reshuffles at the club. The Ostriches have had four trainers in just eight months this season.
“We do not have the quality of Rollers and Galaxy, but with this squad we could have managed something and contend for the title. At the moment, from where we are the title is out of reach.
The damage has already been done because there has been so many coaches,” Mpote told journalists after the match. The visitors were in a shock after just two minutes into the game when Phenyo Molefe chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to give Magosi the lead.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser and Mbatsi Elias tried to chip over the goalkeeper but his shot hit the bottom corner. The visitors eventually leveled the scores in the 23rd minute with Omaatla Kebatho converting from the spot.
Three minutes later, Molefe gave his side the lead once again benefiting from a howler by the goalkeeper. The home side took a 2-1 lead in to the break.
Ten minutes into the second half, Kobamelo Kebaikanye shot wide from just outside the box after he was set by Elias. In the 65th minute, Lemogang Maswena went for a low drive but shot wide off the post.
In the 74th minute, substitute Terrence Mandaza was presented with a free header from inside the box but went wide off the post.
Two minutes later on the other side, Onkemetse Powe hit the upright, and Elias tapped in from the rebound to level the scores. Neither side could take the lead as they settled for a point.
“We had control of the game. We knew they would come at us in numbers. We unsettled them with an early goal. We made mistakes, they scored from crosses. I think we deserved to win today,” Chiefs interim coach, Zaahid Jalal said after the game.
The Teams:
Chiefs: Siamang Kgosipula, Mmatla Magosha, Mmoloki Masoko, Arnold Mampori, Motseoatile Elijah, Nelson Moreetsi, Mandla Mgadla (Lebopo Moremi), Elvis Meleka, Phenyo Molefhe, Morris Ruzivo (Senatla Molefe), Bakang Leshona
Orapa: Bophelo Kealeboga, Kealeboga Buzwani Molebatsi, Olekantse Mambo (Mpho Kgaswane), Lesego Keredilwe, Mothusi Johnson, Mbatsi Elias, Baboloki Makhura, Norman Gofaone Mabaya, Kobamelo Kebaikanye (Onkemetse Powe), Lemogang Moswena, Omaatla Kebatho
Caution: Mampori
Chiefs 2 (Molefe second, 26th)
Orapa 2 (Kebatho 23rd pen, Elias 76th)