Sowa Flamingoes Book Play-off Berth
Chakalisa Dube | Monday April 23, 2018 14:36
The hosts convincingly won the match 2-0 to book their place at BTC Premiership promotional play-offs where they will face Prisons XI who finished as runners up in the First Division South league.
For the umpteenth time this season, the visitors were content with sitting at the back and soaking up the pressure. However, they failed to get opportunities to go on counter as they often do. Flamingoes goalkeeper, Edwin Mokibe was rarely tested in both stanzas of the match.
Although they did not score much, Flamingoes’ performance almost exemplified every aspect of a team that is eager to compete in the elite stage. They were strong at the back, dominated possession and showed a greater level of creativity when going forward.
They were also complemented by their ever cheerful supporters who came in large numbers. Flamingoes could have taken the lead as early as the fourth minute. Striker Wellington Maposa cleverly slid past the defenders but GNT goalkeeper Thatayaone Thandazela did well to parry the ball out for a corner.
Former Orapa United and Township Rollers forward Lovemore Murwira missed another glorious opportunity to give the hosts a lead in 19th minute. Murwira was wasteful until he was pulled off mid-way through the second half.
In the 32rd minute, he had his goal bound shot cleared off the line. Six minutes later, he literally shrugged off the defenders but ballooned his effort over the bar with Thandazela looking well beaten. The match did not produce any goal in the first 45 minutes. After the break, Flamingoes continued piling pressure on the visitors but they continued missing sitting ducks.
The hosts’ goal came from an unlikely source in the 85th minute of the match. Defender Gaotewesepe Legoreng unleashed a powerful shot from range which gave Thandazela no chance. Prior to the opener Flamingoes had a goal turned down after the referee ruled that Monametsi Tsapoga had fouled Thandazela before putting the ball at the back of the net.
With a minute to wrap up play, Joseph Nkgoeng scored the second goal to take the match beyond reach for GNT. Nkgoeng connected with Kabo Rasuping’s sublime low cross from left. Just like in the first 45 minutes, GNT who had fielded a youthful side never showed any intensions of scoring in the second half. Towards the end of the match, the GNT youngsters exhibited serious lack of fitness.
Flamingoes have not lost since January. They have won 10 matches and drawn one. This season is their most successful one ever since they were established approximately 25 years ago.
The teams:
Flamingoes: Edwin Mokibe, Donald Chiringa, Shanganani Ngada, Gaotwesepe Legoreng, Thapelo Mosweu, Mamikina Mayunga, Joseph Nkgoeng, Alfred Motiki, Wellington Maposa, Monametsi Tsapoga (Kabo Rasuping), Murwira (Witness Livingstone)
GNT: Thandazela, Montwedi Molapisi, Moagi Marman, Maemo Sekepe, Aobakwe Mopaki, Batshware Olebeng, Koziba Gibson (Modise Motlhaetsi), Samuel Mosabata, Thato Soke (Segolame Jobe)