Kgetholetsile Stuns Gunners

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Monday August 23, 2010 00:00

Mmesi who has been coaching in the First Division was in charge as head coach, Kaizer Kalambo is still recovering after being released from hospital last week. Kgetholetsile broke away from his marker Lorato Mokalake late in the game and saw debutant goalkeeper, Raphael Nthwane off his line and chipped the ball over him to send Ezinkomo supporters into ruptures of excitement. Man-of-the-match Mokalake had been playing well for almost the entire afternoon until that crucial moment when he could not effectively deal with Kgetholetsile's quick turn.

It was a fairly balanced match though BMC seemed to enjoy some dominance. Between the 10th and 17th minutes, Gunners put their opponents under pressure with their trade mark short passing football which sparked whistles from the admiring crowd. BMC were later to dictate terms as Motsholetsi Sikele's skill and agility proved vital against the likes of Gunners' Kemmy Pilato and Maano Ditshupo in the middle of the park. Patrick Mathaba often came in with crucial tackles to give support to the youngster.

Despite conceding the late winner, Nthwane had a good game, often coming out to avert danger when his defence had exposed him. Moses Pelaelo also played his first game for Gunners but was often found wanting while fellow debutant Kerapetse Mosimanekgosi appeared calm. The former Southern Pirates' player did well to keep Owen Mwendabai at bay for most of the match and BMC seemed to gain confidence after he was replaced with Hendrick Moyo in the 65th minute.

The introduction of Phemelo Ditsile seemed to unsettle the Gunners defence and spur Kgetholetsile into top gear. A minute after coming on, the veteran former Township Rollers man rounded the defence into unmarked space to connect with a Kgetholetsile pass from the right but missed as he tried to cheekily chip the advancing Nthwane.

Gunners' returnee Tiroyamodimo Mohambi had a tough afternoon guarded by the towering Alex Matshameko who ensured that the stocky striker posed no danger.

BMC's Ofana Motsumi coming on for new signing Itumeleng Louw in the 45th minute started harassing the Gunners left wing, pushing both Kgololo Leteane and Monageng Thaele back. He came close on two occasions but was denied by Nthwane.

This is how the two teams lined up: Extension Gunners: Raphael Nthwane, Finki Mothibi, Monageng Thaele Lorato Mokalake,Moses Pelaelo, Kerapetse Mosimanekgosi (Hendrick Moyo 57), Maano Ditshupo, Kemmy Pilato, Ofentse Mmipi (Aubrey Sithole 62), Otlaadisa Mohambi, Kgololo Leteane. Coach: Daniel Nare

BMC: Cosmos Lombala, Alex Matshameko, Tshepo Maikano, Omphemetse Molapo, Mosimanegape Ramoshibidu, Patrick Mathaba, Lovemore Morwirwa (Phemelo Ditsile), Motsholetse Sikele, Itumeleng Louw (Ofana Motsumi 45), Kenenao Kgetholetsile, Owen Mwendabai .