Lenamile Injury Overshadows Notwane Win
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday December 11, 2017 16:57
However a serious injury to Broadhurst chief striker, Mmoloki Lenamile almost marred the contest, with the incident highlighting the poor safety measures at the Sharps ground.
The player had to be carried by officials, with no stretcher, while, due to congestion, the emergency vehicle could not gain access to the pitch. Lenamile suffered an injury in a fight for an aerial ball.
Despite the serious nature of the injury, it took time for the player to be ferried to the hospital. Without a stretcher, Lenamile was carried by volunteers from both sides across the field despite signs he was in deep pain.
Broadhurst were the only side to hand Notwane a loss in the first round. The two met at the start of the second round on Saturday as the Christmas break looms. Notwane wasted no time in getting their sweet revenge.
The game was evenly contested throughout the first half with few clear-cut chances produced. It was Broadhurst United who had the first chance in the 25th minute when Lenamile sneaked behind the Notwane defence and tried to chip the ball over the advancing Notwane goalkeeper, Michael Pepukani. However, the Notwane defence recovered quickly and cleared off the line. Seven minutes later, Notwane took the lead through Tlhalefo Molebatsi who pounced on a corner kick, which the Broadhurst United had failed to clear.
The goal separated the two sides at halftime.
Four minutes into the second half, Broadhurst United were caught napping at the back and Thabiso Boti took a long-range shot but the ball went narrowly wide. Notwane scored their second goal courtesy of Falkirk Shabane in the 62nd minute.
A free kick was sent into the box and cleared to the side.
However, the ball fell into the path of Kebonyeone Selefa who sent it back into the danger zone.
Broadhurst United cleared, but this time to the centre only for the ball to fall into oncoming Shabane who hit a first time volley that gave the United goalkeeper no chance.
Broadhurst United tried all they could to get a goal in the second half, but they found the Notwane defence organised. In the end, Notwane picked up the much needed three points as the league goes into the festive season break. Speaking after the game, Notwane’s assistant coach, Kakale Mabechu said the difference on Saturday was that this time his side was looking for revenge and got exactly that.
He said they lost in the first round because United were looking to become the first team to break their unbeaten record. United coach, Moseki Thebeemang said he was happy with the performance of his young guns but was disappointed that one of his players, Lenamile, picked up a serious injury which took time before he could get help.
He said despite playing with a young squad, he is not ruling out fighting for promotion even if it means through playoffs.
Teams:
Notwane: Michael Pepukani, Kereng Mpetang, Kebonyeone Selefa, Maatla Segokgo, Brian Botsang, Thato Mogorosi (Tsogang Israel), Sthembiso Mbuque, Molebatsi, Thabiso Boti, Ishmael Amponsah, Falkirk Shabane (Pako Modikwa)
United: Gabonangaka, Ishmael Motlhabani, Robert Mokibe, Onkemetse Commissioner, Obakeng Fidzani, Mmoloki Lenamile (Katlego Makhala), Jacob Joel, Tiroyaone Baepi, Bonolo Onkutlule, Tumelo Ramotsurubane, Modiri Ramatlapeng
Caution: Selefa, Israel
Notwane 2 (Molebatsi 32nd, Shabane 62nd)
Broadhurst United 0