Gunners' good run continues

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

 

Gunners take on GU at the newly-built Lobatse Stadium on Thursday during the Independence Day celebrations.Gunners have now won three times in a row after losing the opening two games of the season. But Mapantsula's performance has declined considering the display they showed when they embarrassed Mochudi Centre Chiefs 2-0 a fortnight ago. The shock win got the country talking.  Against Miscellaneous on Saturday, Gunners went ahead early when Leteane scored from close range after a clever free-kick from Tiroyamodimo 'TRX' Mohambi. The second goal came right at the death when they were awarded a penalty after Boshe Kesalopa was adjudged to have fouled substitute left-winger Monageng Thaele inside the box.

Thaele stood up and converted to wrap up the game for the Lobatse arsenal. Once again, referee Dintwa Dintwa failed to stamp his authority in the game. The referee was on the spot at the start of the season when he controversially handled the Township Rollers-Black Peril game. Dintwa allowed Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko to score when Peril goalkeeper Mosweu Thakadu was down on the turf reeling in pain. 

Miscellaneous' coach Mogomotsi 'Teenage' Mpote hit at referee Dintwa for 'cheating' them on the day. He said that the refereeing was awful and wondered why the likes of Dintwa are allowed to officiate in the Premier League.

'This was a 50/50 game but the referees spoiled for us. We decided to sit back at the start of the game to study Gunners. It was not going to help us trying to attack them because they can pass the ball around,' he said.

Though Miscellaneous did their best to match Gunners, they were let down by stray finishing where the likes of Emmanuel Thakadu and substitute Bogosi Mfila could not beat goalkeeper Raphael Nthwane.

After the game, Gunners' coach Daniel 'Chicco' Nare conceded that they did not play beautiful football.

'Sometimes it is important to play badly and get maximum points. It was good for our confidence to win today ahead of our upcoming game against GU.  It is going to be a tough one but I've confidence that the boys will go out and perform. At the same time, I appeal to the people of Lobatse to come in large numbers to rally behind us during the big day,' he said. Nare added that Miscellaneous made life difficult for them. He paid tribute to his opposite number Mpote. 'When you win, the players tend to lose focus but we'll do our best to ensure that they take each game as it comes,' Nare stated.

Team line-ups;Gunners: Nthwane, Finkie Mothibi, Kenny Ramodisa, Lorato Mokalake, Martin Mathongwane, Kemmy Pilato, Letlhogonolo Mosala (Maano Ditshupo 51), Leteane (Moses Pelaelo 90+2), Ofentse Mmipi, Hendrick Moyo (Thaele 51), Mohambi.

Miscellaneous: Letlhogonolo Selebogo, Kesalopa, Kagiso Molapi, Oratile Mmasa, Kelepile Terata, Katholo Molwantwa (Kemiso Silas 63), Kgololo Tshimololo (Gookeditswe Kanyenvu 63), Keitumetse Lelebanye, Godfrey Kebifetswe, Emmanuel Thakadu, Elijah Kabwe (Mfila 35).

Man of the match: Kagiso Molapi

Cautions: Thakadu 47, Thaele 57, Kesalopa 90+6

Referee: Dintwa DintwaAss referees: Moemedi Monakwana and Lucas NkuFourth official: Elijah Masitha