Flappy Ostriches Survive Systems Scare
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday February 6, 2017 17:00
Systems led by former Ostriches maestro, Mgcini Sibanda came with no hair of respect on their first visit to the dreaded Itekeng fortress, stamping authority from the first whistle. Systems first scare came in the second minute with Omphile Sebolai picking Thapelo Senoa in the 16-yard area with a sumptuous cross but the latter’s well connected header was inches wide.
At the other end, eight minutes later Patrick Lenyeletse wasted a glorious chance when he redirected a free header from a Lemogang Maswena cross into the goalkeeper’s gloves. Systems, however, dictated the entire first half but lacked sting upfront, often resorting to long range efforts which went over and wide.
From the break, Systems took off from where they left, controlling the middle of the park and pressing high forward. It took them an hour of persistent knock to break the deadlock. In the 63rd minute, Thapelo Senoya twisted and turned, eluding the defenders, as Tumelo Mazebedi pounced and his touch on the stretch was enough to beat a flat footed Mosimanegape Robert at the far post. United came to the party after Systems opener. They brought in Zebron Njobvu and Khumoetsile Kufigwa for Gift Moyo and Omaatla Kebatho. The two substitutes made the difference, as they combined in the 85th minute with Njobvu’s low drive to the far post levelling matters.
United’s coach, Madinda Ndlovu was not impressed with the overall performance. “Just another game we cannot talk about,” he said. “Really a bad day in the office.
I am only happy for keeping the unbeaten run at home intact.”
Systems assistant coach, David Bothasitse said they were tactically on point. “Everything went according to plan. One would say we could have wrapped it up earlier but we had to be cautious. We are happy with a draw against a good side.”
Orapa United
Mosimanegape Robert, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Olekantse Mambo, Kabo Mungabe, Lesenya Ramoraka, Kemmy Pilato, Gift Moyo (Khumoetsile Kufigwa), Tendai Nyumasi, Lemogang Maswena, Omaatla Kebatho (Zebron Njobvu), Patrick Lenyeletse
Security Systems
Joseph Gojamang, Osego Gaotewe, Daniel Montshiwa, Kago Nfila, Bophelo Macheng, Omphile Sebolai, Koziba Thabano, Mgcini Sibanda, Thapelo Senoya (Molebeledi Gabofiwe), Thulani Gumede (Galefetoge Kenaope), Tumelo Mazebedi (Mpho Gaboitsiwe) Cautions: Montshiwa
Orapa United (0) 1 (Njobvu 85th)
Security Systems (0) 1 (Mazebedi 63rd)