Letlapeng, Tigers play again on Sunday

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Tuesday April 20, 2010 00:00

Last weekend, the game aborted with Letlapeng leading 2-0 at the Ramotswa Showground. The match had started under clear skies but out of the blue, a dark cloud from the western side formed and within minutes there was a heavy downpour that made the pitch unplayable.  Although Letlapeng officials including coach Enos Mmesi felt the match should have continued, it was clear the match had to be abandoned. The pitch was atrociously soggy and caused Tigers' goalkeeper to injure himself when he slipped and collided with one of his teammates.

Before the rain, fans were treated to a good brand of football especially in the second half when it was now clear that Letlapeng were determined to close the gap between them and Prisons XI and Black Peril at the top. A win would have taken the Rock of Ages to 32 points, five behind leaders Black Peril.  The first half was not eventful as both teams lacked cohesion and lost possession. Tigers especially entered the match on a low note perhaps still thinking they are the underdogs and their early defensive approach clearly demonstrated intentions to minimise damage.

Letlapeng on the other hand showed the will to attack but lack of understanding between former international Tshepiso Molwantwa and Maniki Moalafi meant no goals in the first half. In the second half, both teams came at each other but Tigers once again lacked that final killer punch to finish off their opponents when Mmesi's boys left gaps at the back when going forward. Tigers' strikers Willy Lakhiwa and George Tsekedi played too far apart to cause any damage.

Former Extension Gunners and Killer Giants' midfielder, Jabu Phuduhutswana's experience and natural skill created problems for Tigers' defence though his good passes often went to waste as Kago Kgabanyane stuck to Molwantwa like a tick and winger Kelelelo Kgosimore did little to help the situation as he played too deep thus limiting his right back Boyboy Gaobolae.

It appeared like the visitors would pull a surprise as they gained more confidence as the second half progressed but Mmesi sensed danger and pulled out Molwantwa for former Naughty Boys' striker Mothusi 'Chippa' Lekoko. The new arrival combined well with Moalafi and scored the first goal in the 64th minute. The skinny striker broke the deadlock after receiving a neat pass from Moalafi.

Lekoko turned supplier a few minutes later as his magical footwork proved too much for the Tigers' defence. He found the on-coming Kgosimore unmarked in front of goal and the stocky winger did not disappoint this time. 

The second goal seemed to open up the heavens. While Letlapeng fans were still celebrating the goal, they were drenched in heavy downpour and after sometime, the match was stopped because the pitch was unplayable.