H�landers Give Nico Rude Welcome
Olefile Serokolo | Monday September 25, 2017 16:00
It was Nico United who began to settle well and it was not surprising to see their first threatening effort in the 17th minute. Mogopodi Seithamo received a wonderful pass from Ronald Ramokgathadi on the left flank and dribbled past the Highlanders defence before unleashing a powerful strike, which went a few inches above the crossbar. But it was the visitors who drew first blood in the 21st minute after Nico failed to clear their lines.
Tumo Keiketlile collected and laid a superb pass for Emmanuel Thakadu and the striker directed past an advancing goalkeeper for the opener. Keiketlile proved to be a thorn in the Majombolo defence as he attacked again in the 26th minute from the right flank before being fouled by Phemelo Malesela, which resulted in a free-kick. Mogakolodi Balatotse bent a dipping drive, which hit the crossbar much to the relief of Majombolo fans.
Godknows Mutina came close to bringing Peter Muchina charges level in the 42nd minute, after connecting well with Seithamo’s cross but his header went narrowly wide. Highlanders went into the break leading 1-0. In the second half, Muchina introduced Goabaone Tasebolai and Gofaone Moreba in search of goals. But Highlanders continued to show hunger for goals, as they caught Majombolo on the counter in the 66th minute.
It was Keiketlile again who delivered a telling cross into the box, which found Thakadu unmarked, and the striker bagged his brace. Highlanders committed a silly foul in the dying minutes of the second half and Seithamo curled the ball into the back of the net.
Nico coach, Muchina said his team did not play according to instructions that is why they made blunders, which the visitors capitalised on. He said they are going to work on the mistakes going into the next game.
Highlanders coach, Kabo Dintwa said it was never easy to play a first game. He said they are happy with the win but they never played the way he expected. Dintwa added that their middle field was not functioning that is why they were too defensive hence committing a lot of fouls, which one resulted in a goal.
The teams
Nico United: Gaolatlhe Tshupegetso, Onkgopotse Phuthego, Phemelo Malesela (Goabaone Tasebolai), Fortune Oweditse Tuelo, Thapelo Mosweu, Baboloki Tathego, Ronald Ramokgathadi(c), Kabo Gabatshele (Gofaone Moreba), Godknows Mutina, Bokamoso Mosima (Keamogetswe Ganetsang), Mogopodi Seithamo
Highlanders: Keletso Motladiile, Temo Keorileng(c), Onkabile Tsheko, Keabetswe Obonetse, Tumo Keiketlile, Mompati Oabile, Tillie Sethako (Mopati Motshudi), Emmanuel Thakadu, Gofamodimo Samuel, Oweditse Malokwane.
Nico (0) 1 (Seithamo 88th)
H’landers (1) 2 (Thakadu 21st, 66th)