Disciplined Highlanders Edge Motlakase

Koketso Kgoboge | Monday October 16, 2017 15:19

The game was decided in the opening five minutes. Following a series of miscues of clearances by Motlakase defenders, the ball fell to Boikobo Osupile on the arc of the 18-yard and he drilled into the top left.

The goal unsettled the home side who struggled with their passing game. It took the introduction of Itumeleng Mabuaaeme for Boitumelo Leagetse over half an hour later for Motlakase to recoup. “The goal unsettled our rhythm and we took too long to get back into the game. We were forced to play long balls,” Motlakase coach, Pule Mogotsi said. “That is why we were forced to an early substitution.”

After the substitution they took the game to the visitors, but Highlanders kept most of their men behind the ball and their compact back four thwarted attacks with exceptional discipline to take the lead to the break.

Five minutes from the break, Motlakase’s Thabo Wetshoemang cut inside the box from the left. He laid a pass to Kealeboga Oitsile in front of the box, but his well-connected shot hit the crossbar. A minute later Mabuaaeme missed a sitter when he delicately controlled inside the 16-yard on the blind spot, but his hurried shot went inches wide. Mabuaame’s penalty appeal moments later was rebuffed by the referee when he was bundled by two defenders after controlling inside the box. Highlanders pressed high forward to ease the pressure and worked their way back to their disciplined defending from the midfield. Their robust defenders intimidated Motlakase’s young attackers with physique. Highlanders coach, Kabo Dintwa said they were spot on with their game plan. “It was a difficult game. Our plan was to compact our midfield and allow a bit of space wide and we were quick to close them down. They did exactly what we planned for,” he said. Despite the loss, Mogotsi was pleased with the display. “The signs are good. The team is solid and we just need to be more clinical. We missed chances and then desperation crept in. It’s not all lost.”

 

The teams:

Motlakase: Kagiso Moganetsi, Odirile Gabaleswe, Moathudi Sam, Tshephang Boithatelo, Moemedi Sendu (Gaothobogwe Molimisi), Kealeboga Oitsile, Thatayaone Magazi, Thabo Wetshoemang, Boitumelo Leagetse (Itumeleng Mabuaaeme), Omphemetse Bolofete, Kutlo Sabofelo (Atang Morwamang)

Highlanders: Lapologang Molathegi, Gofamodimo Samuel, Setshwaneng Oletile, Keabetswe Obenetse, Onkarabile Tsheko, Tilly Sethako, Oweditse Molokwane, Boikobo Osupile, Emmanuel Thakadu, Temo Koorileng, Tumo Keiketlile (Mogakolodi Balatotse)

Cautions: Oletile, Morwamang

Motlakase 0 

Highlanders 1 (Osupile 5th)