Buffaloes back in contention

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Tuesday November 23, 2010 00:00

The Kgatleng team did not have the best of starts but they are certainly finding their footing.

Comets' 2-1 loss dented their chances of finishing the first round on top of the log.

Prisons XI lost two valuable points after a 1-1 draw against bottom of the log newcomers, Happy Hearts. With less than five games before the end of first round, Ernest Nthobelang's side finds itself outside the top four bracket and this should be a cause for concern.

Prisons' major problem seems to be their lack of firepower. Although Kabelo Kgosiang has been keeping the defence together, Tatenda Mbikiwa and Gaolebe Mokolokoto are yet to find their rhythm.

Happy Hearts would have hoped for a win in order to move off the basement. After an early win over Letlapeng, false hopes were raised as the debutants have struggled to get to grips with First Division football.

Bringing in former Premier League title-winning coach Barry Daka seemed a good idea for Phadza Butale and fellow directors but the former Police XI coach is still to turn the White City team into a well-oiled machine. Young Strikers recovered from the embarrassing 4-1 bashing by Kanye Swallows last week, to beat Masitaoka 2-1.

Although the win might have slightly eased the Broadhurst sides' relegation worries, it did not improve their position on the log.

After that shock loss to the Swallows a fortnight ago, Letlapeng dropped another valuable three points against Naughty Boys who went into the match as underdogs. Letlapeng boasts an experienced squad with former international strikers Tshepiso Molwantwa and Donald Mopako leading the frontline.

The Ramotswa team has experienced players in former Extension Gunners' duo of Jabu Phuduhutswana and Jabu Mosalakgoko as well as former Killer Giants' hard man Terrence Maotwe and former Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Naughty Boys' defender David Mfolwe while the Tlokweng side have an average squad.

Just like Prisons XI, former national champions Mogoditshane Fighters might need a miracle to make a return to top-flight football next season. Their 2-1 loss to Killer Giants just confirms how deep-rooted Fighters' problems are. Swallows' fairytale ended with a 2-0 loss to Moshupa-based Mathaithai FC. After two successive wins against both Letlapeng and Young Strikers, Swallows were upbeat going to neighbouring Moshupa but returned home empty-handed.