BDF XI Stun Galaxy
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday February 19, 2018 15:00
The match saw Galaxy’s new coach, Zlatko Krmpotic make his Premiership coaching debut while Louis Setshwane led the military side in the absence of head coach, Letang Kgengwenyane.
It only took BDF five minutes to open the score with Mgcini Sibanda finding Rashid Mandawa with a through ball. Mandawa unleashed a powerful left foot shot to the top corner to give Matebele the lead.
Two minutes later BDF XI launched another sublime move with Mandawa this time around turning the provider for Phenyo Serameng who doubled his side’s lead with beautiful shot.
On the half hour mark, BDF XI goalkeeper, Michael James showed great agility to deny Gilbert Baruti as he tipped his shot for a corner.
A minute later, Thabo Leinanyane reduced the deficit as he rose highest to head home Batsi’s corner kick. Matebele suffered a blow when goalkeeper, James was forced out with an injury and replaced by Tumiso Mashakola.
With four minutes to the break, Abi Ramodiane found Mandawa with a pinpoint cross.
The striker freed himself from his marker and cheekily looped the ball over the keeper to increase his side’s lead. Matebele took a 3-1 lead after a very eventful first half.
At the start of the second half, Galaxy made a double substitution with Terrence Mandaza and Tebogo Sembowa coming in for Thero Setsile and Patrick Kaunda respectively.
The double change sparked a breath of life in the Galaxy’s attack. In the 48th minute, Botshelo Mafoko once again squandered a chance to reduce the deficit as he shot wide from inside the box.
The boys from the mining town continued to dominate proceedings and enjoyed a lion’s share of ball possession.
However, they failed to break the resilient BDF defence with their rather desperate approach. Mashakola denied Sembowa and Mandaza on the 70th and 74th minutes respectively. Matebele held their 3-1 lead until the final whistle.
Galaxy now trail log leaders, Rollers by nine points but have a game in hand with coach Krmpotic still chasing his first win at Galaxy after two defeats.
“It is a game of football, but we want to win at all costs. This game leaves us at nine points behind Rollers. We have to stay number two and look for an opportunity. With a big game on Wednesday, the players’ minds were probably not in this game,” Krmpotic said. His counterpart, Setshwane lauded his troops for a good performance and said they executed their plan well.
“They beautifully executed the plan and owned the game. We want to win at all costs and this may be the resurrection,” he said.
The Teams:
BDF XI: Michael James (Tumiso Mashakola), Pelontle Lerole, Emmanuel Nlu, Onkabetse Seforo Seforo, Keolopile Molemi, Bonolo Phuduhudu, Abi Ramodiane, Phenyo Serameng (Rentse Keakabetse), Mcgnini Sibanda, Rashid Mandawa
Galaxy: Ezikiel Morake, Thabo Leinanyane, Tebogo Moroka, Boitumelo Mafoko, Moagi Sechele, Olebogeng Malebye, Atisang Batsi, Gilbert Baruti, Thero Setsile (Terrence Mandaza), Patrick Kaunda (Tebogo Sembowa), Botshelo Mafoko
Cautions: Legwaila, Molemi
BDF 3 (Mandawa 5th, 41st, Serameng 7th),
Galaxy 1 (Leinanyane 31st)