The Reds target Mapantsula

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday September 27, 2010 00:00

 

Against Black Peril, the Reds rested many key players and struggled throughout the Be MOBILE Premier League game they won 1-0 at the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium in Gaborone.

The poor finishing had their supporters wondering what could have gone wrong with their side. GU led 1-0 at halftime thanks to a goal by Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo. The striker pounced from close range in the 34th minute after being fed by Wellington Maposa. At the break, some GU supporters were heard wondering why the coach fielded an experimental squad.

'If the coach wants to give some of these players a chance, he should do that in the second round when we have collected enough points,' said a concerned GU supporter.

Branco Molokwane, Steven Maposa, Sageby Sandaka, Tshepo 'Schoolboy' Molefe and Ofentse Nato are some of the GU regulars who started on the bench.

There was also no place in GU's starting line-up for striker Ronald Chikomo and no-nonsense defender Tumisang Sekanonyana.

Speaking to Sport Monitor after the game, Sithole said that he decided on a different line-up because of their game against Gunners. He said the game is going to be a tough one compared to yesterday's.

'I deliberately left some of my key players out of the starting  line-up. We've to be at our best against Gunners and today's game gave me a chance to have a look at some of the players. Rotation is the important thing because we've a big squad,' he explained. Sithole added that Chikomo who was not considered yesterday will be available for selection against Mapantsula. He pointed out that this week, they have to work on scoring at training because they miss too many chances. 'I'm still trying to find the right combinations upfront,' he said.

Meanwhile, it remains a mystery why Black Peril management let coach Machine Nthaga go and replace him with the well-travelled Ezekiel Mpofu. The rookies looked out of sorts and Mpofu did nothing to spur his charges as he remained rooted on the bench for the entire game. Upfront, Benny Michelo was found wanting against a balanced GU defence led by Musa Ohilwe and Given Mpundu. The referees once again disappointed on the day as centre man Tshepo Rahube seemed to be out of his depths. 

Team line-ups;

Peril: Reuben Thakadu, Abraham Lefatshe, Keletso Harry, Batlhalefi Nakedi, Bonang Monyatsi, Oaitse Leeme, Tirelo Ndlovu (Mamikina Mayunga 32), Othusitse Marumo (Tshabu Piet 63), Michelo, Lally Oabile, Kakanyo Motlhabanare.

GU: Kgosietsile Senjoba, Gabriel Bokhutlo, Chafiwa Kgaswane, Ohilwe, Mpundu, Gobonyeone Selefa, Vincent Phiri (Steven Maposa 62), Ntesang Simanyana, Thebe Maiketso, Wellington Maposa (Mandla Mgadla 45), Mpho Mabogo (Nato 79).

Man of the Match: Ntesang Simanyana

Cautions: Maiketso 55, Selefa 64

Referee: Tshepo RahubeAss referees: Elijah Masitha and Armstrong TumeloFourth official: Moletlanyi Keoagile