Lions look to roar after dull start
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday November 2, 2017 11:04
They have won only once, conceding 12 goals in the process and scored three. Head coach, Paradzayi Mandivenga said although he was worried about the current status, he believes it is too early to think about relegation.
“Right now it is too early to think of relegation. If you look at the bottom eight, they are six points, five points and four points somewhere there.
Which means if we win about two games we will be right there with the rest of the pack,” Mandivenga said after the 3-0 defeat to Rollers. He said he was worried about the way they concede the goals which are almost identical. “We are conceding the same kind of goals which are set pieces. We have been working hard on that at our training sessions, but it becomes another story in a game situation,” he said.
Rollers caught Gilport Lions off guard as early as the first minute, but they managed to clear off the lines. Five minutes later, they were 1-0 down following a good combination move involving Tshepo ‘Skhwama’ Matete and Edwin Moalosi.
The latter then tricked his marker and set up Lemponye Tshireletso at the far end with a back heel. Tshireletso wasted no time and delivered a cross, which Segolame Boy connected with a diving header.
Two other goals came in the second through defender Simisani Mathumo in almost an identical fashion. In the first goal, Moalosi sent the ball into the box from a free kick and Mathumo rose high and headed past Gilport Lions goalkeeper, Takudzwa Ndoro. He scored in a similar fashion from almost the same position as the first goal although this time Moalosi delivered from a corner kick. Mandivenga said although Rollers are a great team, they did not sweat for the goals and was concerned that since the start of the season, they concede in almost the same fashion.
Rollers coach, Nikola Kavazovic was happy that his side continues to collect points but most importantly that his players’ confidence continues to rise up. In other games played on Tuesday, Mochudi Centre Chiefs ended their losing streak when they held BDF XI to a 1-1 draw. Thato Kebue scored from the penalty spot before Keeagile Kobe equalised for Matebele. Orapa United however continued with their losing spree, this time going down 2-0 to Jwaneng Galaxy.
They have collected just one point from the past four games, slowly losing track with other title contenders early in the first round. Black Forest were also too strong for TAFIC as they continued to impress their incoming coach, Gilbert Mushangazike.