Tempers Flare As Sharps Extend Lead

Kabelo Boranabi | Monday April 3, 2017 14:42

Santos had a player sent off in the second half while a late goal from Bonolo Majoni gave Sharps the valuable three points. The match officials had to be escorted as Santos claimed poor refereeing.

However on the pitch, Santos were a better team early in the first half as they made chances but failed to hit the net. In the sixth minute, Bosa Mokgweetsi delivered a through ball to Modise Sifo who managed to hold the ball despite being challenged by two defenders, but was let down by his final shot as it went wide of the post.

In the 15th minute Sifo, who proved to be a thorn on the opposition defence flesh, again beat two defenders with skill on the wing but his shot from a tight angle went wide.

Both teams failed to fashion clear goal scoring chances as they went to the break level. 

Both teams started the second half at a lower pace with the first chance coming in the 53rd minute with Michael Mmelesi’s lob saved by the keeper.  On the hour mark, Sifo was once again the culprit as he headed wide Eric Molefi’s pin point cross.

The game started to gain momentum as seven minutes later, full back Pato Sakana centred the ball for Mmelesi who flicked to Moemedi Moatlhaping.

The latter shot straight into the keeper’s hands. Santos went a man down as Thato Seagateng was shown a straight red card for elbowing Monageng Thaele in the 69th minute.

Seven minutes to full time, Letlhogonolo Chanjele beat two defenders with skill, centred the ball, substitute Bonolo Majoni had easiest task as he tapped into the net to give Sharps the lead. Santos tried to salvage a point from the game in the 88th minute, Sifo headed straight in to the keeper’s hands. Sharps bagged the three points, as they are now in pole position for automatic promotion with three games to play. 

“They did their best (and) it worked for them. I am hurt we lost the game. These are the points points needed most. We had the opportunity to go top, but we failed,” said Santos’ coach, Phaka Mampori after the game.

His opposite number, Davis Kopi said the win lifts the pressure from the team as they open a five point gap.

“This win takes weight off our shoulders. We now have a five point lead, but it is not yet over,” he said.

 

The teams

Sharps: Richard Musheke, Pato Sakana, Kelemetse Mogomotsi, Bonolo Oikutule, Tebogo Benjamin, Moemedi Moatlhaping, Ookeditse Kgosietsile (Bonolo Majoni), Letlhogonolo Chanjele, Monageng Thaele, Michael Mmelesi 

Santos: Lucas Mogotsi, Tlamelo Abueng, Mosimanegape Pelaelo, Kgotso Mothibamele (Mogomotsi Ditshotlo), Thato Seagateng, Tshepo Mbulawa, Kagiso Medupe (Lemogang Kabo), Goitsemodimo Zoko, Bosa Mokgweetsi, Eric Molefi, Modise Sifo

Cautions: Kgosietsile, Oikutule, Mmelesi, Sifo

Dismissal: Seagateng