Win relieves BDF XI coach

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

 

'We've been searching for a win and I'm happy we managed today. When we played Nico United (1-1 draw) in our last game, I could see that there is a huge improvement.

'We're not there yet but I believe that we can work on the performance today,' former Botswana Football Association (BFA) technical director said at the end of the game.

After a not so impressive performance in the opening five league games, Keatlholetswe who was appointed to lead the army side at the start of the season, has been on the spot as his charges huffed and puffed.

Before the Saturday kick-off, BDF XI had four points having beaten Uniao Flamengo Santos and drawn with Nico United.

Losses to Police XI, Black Peril and Extension Gunners put Keatlholetswe's job on the line.

With TAFIC having beaten fancied Mochudi Centre Chiefs in their previous match, it was evident that BDF XI supporters were a worried bunch at the start of the game. But as usual, Keatlholetswe was cool as a cucumber as he cracked jokes with journalists before kick-off.

His players responded well as they started the game at a high tempo and were rewarded with an early goal from Thatayaone Marumola.

TAFIC equalised through Obonye Moswate in the 13th minute but BDF XI restored the lead before the break.Matebele continued attacking in the second half but could not convert. With 16 minutes remaining before full time, Molatedi Mabina killed off the game when his well-struck shot from outside the box beat TAFIC goalkeeper Lesego 'Chokri' Moeng hands down. Despite missing five players in Bonolo Phuduhudu, Moreetsi 'Resco' Mosimanyana, Gaopatwe 'Shoes' Seosenyeng, Patrick Motsepe and Jones Kwape, Matebele managed to put up a solid performance.

The absence of the stars gave coach Keatlholetswe the chance to field other players and try different combinations.

Youngster Kabo Rasuping who usually plays in central midfield, was played at right back and did a zfantastic job. TAFIC stand-in coach, Mlungisi Kopi said they lost the game in the midfield because their opponents were mobile.

He rued the few chances they created but failed to convert with Clarkson Dzimbiri being the main culprit.'We're having problems finding the right combinations upfront but we'll keep trying,' he added. Head coach Paul Moyo was missing from the bench as he was said to be attending a wedding.

Team line-ups; BDF XI- Khalid Niyonzima, Rasuping, Ontlantshekela Mooketsi, Seboloko Khutsafalo, Mompati Thuma, Mogami Makwatse, Mabina, Marumola (Mokgathi Mokgathi 77), Kabo Siane, Letlhomela Ramabele, Tshireletso (Motlotlegi Kootswetse 77).

TAFIC: Moeng, Koziba Tlhabano, Osenyeng Tsenang, Biki Letuwane, Chakadza Pharo, Alphonse Modisaotsile, Wellington Sibanda, Moswate (Mlamuli Phakathi 80), Casper Elijah (Tamucha Bedi 58), Dzimbiri (Godfrey Lemphorwana 90), Uyapo Seleka.

Man Of The Match: Molatedi Mabina

Cautions: Thuma 48, Ramabele 90+3

Referee: Tumelo Armstrong

Assistant Referees: Oamogetse Godisamang and Lucas Nku

Fourth Official: Ontlametse Monageng

Match Rating: 7/10