Ezinkomo Frustrate Mapantsula

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday January 11, 2010 00:00

 

He said this after watching his side's courageous performance against neighbours Extension Gunners in a be MOBILE Premier League clash at the Lobatse Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Despite playing with 10-men for 55 minutes, Ezinkomo held their own and frustrated their bitter rivals to force a goalless draw.

The game which was played before a capacity crowd under favourable weather conditions, saw BMC's Zambian striker Owen Mwendabai sent off in the 35th minute for elbowing Gunners' defender Emmanuel Nlu. It was bad debut for the well-built striker who was signed last week and Ezinkomo supporters were hoping that he would give them something to smile about. Gunners' supporters booed the striker who was escorted by a BMC official off the field.

His dismissal left Sithole fuming at the end of the game, blaming referee Kutlwano Leso for poor officiating. 'It was a good game of football but was only spoiled by the referee who was inconsistent. I still failed to understand why he sent off my player because that was a 50/50 challenge. I'm proud of my team's performance and I believe that it's a matter of time before we get out of the situation we're in,' said Sithole. Ezinkomo are currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier League with seven points from 14 games.

Sithole further praised Aaron Kale and Derrick Badibanga who were signed from Mochudi Centre Chiefs for their performance on debut. 'They played well and I'm happy. As for Owen, it's unfortunate that he could not play for long because of that red card. But he's a good player because I know what he's capable of,' added Sithole.

On the other hand, Nare said that the game failed to live to the expectations of the supporters who packed the Lobatse Stadium. 'On the balance of play, BMC failed to create chances but credit has to go to BMC for the draw because they played most part of the game with 10 men.

'We created chances but we failed to convert them but I'm not worried because we'll work on that in training,' he said. Gunners' Aime Nzohabanayo was the main culprit on the day as he wasted three cut chances which could have sealed the deal for Mapantsula.

On the positive, Gunners seem to have unearthed a gem in South African-born defensive midfielder Aubrey Sithole who made his debut on the day. The nippy midfielder had a stint with Orlando Pirates development side and his performance left many people asking for more. It was passing and ability to intercept BMC's moves which impressed most. 

The draw against BMC means that Gunners surrender the second position to Mochudi Centre Chiefs who ruthless lybeat Boteti Young Fighters 3-0 in Orapa. Gunners have 28 points from 13 games, one point less than Chiefs.

Gunners: Ntungamile Tshoganetso, Finkie Mothibi, Kenny Ramodisa (Kgololo Leteane), Nlu, Maano Ditshupo, Monageng Thaele, Christopher Ndiyamishimne, Nzohabanayo, Ofentse Mmipi, Monametsi Kelebale (Hendrick Moyo) and Sithole.

BMC: Cosmos Lombala, Musa Ohilwe, Gothata Samoenza, Alex Matshameko, Vincent Modise, Patrick Mathaba, Motsholetsi Sikele (Kenanao Kgetholetsile), Kale, Badibanga, Thebe Maiketso and Mwendabai.