Chiefs, Sharps Share X-mas Spoils
Mqondisi Dube | Monday December 18, 2017 15:30
Before a sparse crowd, Chiefs were off the blocks fastest, drawing first blood in the 14th minute when a deflected Thatayaone Ramatlapeng shot wrong footed goalkeeper, Raphael Nthwane. But the opener did not deflate the home side who emerged from their cocoon to take the game to their more experienced opponents.
Sharps’ movements were sharp and incisive and suddenly, the pendulum had swung with Noah Maposa having a busy afternoon on the sweltering heat. Refentse Mmelesi restored parity in the 22nd minute following a sweeping move and the attacker drilled home.
It could have been two to Sharps minute later, but Maposa dug out Charles Mujokeri’s headed effort. Sharps again went closer in the 32nd minute, but Mmelesi failed to beat an advancing Maposa in a one-on-one situation. Minutes later, Maposa summoned his shot stopping skills when he parried a goal bound header back into play, and Sharps failed to profit as the effort rolled harmlessly out of play.
With Sharps on the ascendancy, Chiefs failed to heed the constant warnings, and were duly punished before the break. Letlhogonolo Chenjela’s lofted pass picked a perfectly placed Langa Mabule, who drove into the box before expertly picking up the far right corner.
Sharps took complete control of proceedings but failed to punish a lethargic Chiefs.
The former champions resorted to pumping long balls to the ineffective duo of Tendai Nyamadzawo and Lesego Lubinda.
Chiefs caretaker coach, Innocent Morapedi responded by withdrawing the duo for Othusitse Jabu Pilane and Botshelo Lerato.
Although the switch was met with murmurs of disapproval from the predominantly Chiefs fans, it proved to be a masterstroke as the visitors seized control of the tie.
Sharps coach, Rapelang ‘Razor’ Tsatsilebe responded by removing Mujokeri for burly Wellington Maposa.
But in the 71st minute, Chiefs got a deserved equaliser from the spot. Nthwane initially saved from Thato Kebue, but the Sharps defence reacted slowly, and substitute, Lerato slotted home the rebound.
Chiefs upped the tempo but couldn’t find the winner, as Sharps clung on.
“We got a point but the game was ours, we were supposed to get the three points. But if you get a point against Chiefs, it is fair enough. We lost it due to poor decision making, but I can’t blame them, they are still learning,” Tsatsilebe said.
Morapedi said they were forced to play long balls as their opponents “were not playing”. “Again, we tried too hard, these teams cover a lot of ground, they don’t give you space. I won’t be too greed, I will accept the point,” he said.
Sharps (2) 2 (Mmeletsi 22nd, Mabule 34th)
Chiefs (1) 2 (Ramatlapeng 14th, Lerato 71st)
Teams
Sharps: Raphael Nthwane, Ronny Leagetse, Khumo Bogale, Amos Godirwang (Tshepo Malgas), Charles Mujokeri (Wellington Maposa), Langa Mabuli, Monageng Thaele, Moemedi Moatlhaping, Tebogo Benjamin, Refentse Mmelesi, Letlhogonolo Chenjela (Lebogang Jabari)
Chiefs:Noah Maposa, Thato Kebue, Katlego Koobake, Pako Ketimilwe, Lawrence Majawa, Nelson Moreetsi, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng, Thato Ogopotse, Tendai Nyamadzawo (Botshelo Lerato), Lesego Galenamotlhale, Lesego Lubinda (Othusitse Pilane)