A bitter Coke taste for Killer Giants

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Thursday July 24, 2008 00:00

 

That it was bitter village rivals Letlapeng who masterminded their fall left an even bitter taste in their mouths.

No wonder things nearly turned ugly towards the end of Letlapeng's shock 2-0 victory over their fancied opponents. A scuffle ensued 15 minutes before the end of the game when some Killer Giants' supporters massed behind Letlapeng goalposts after a black piece of cloth was given to the goalkeeper to put behind him.

Apparently, the irate supporters believed that it was 'muti' (black magic) meant to prevent their team from scoring and they invaded the goalposts to remove it. The game had to be stopped for some minutes as captain Donald 'Coach' Mopako tried to push them out. But the conflict was not only confined to the players, within minutes some supporters were also wrestling.

As if that was not enough, one of Letlapeng officials joined in the fracas and caused an even uglier scene, wielding a knife as he passed the Killer Giants' bench and threatening to stab some of the players while insulting them. He was consequently sent off. But on the field of play, Letlapeng was undoubtedly the better side and deserved to win the encounter.

They did it in style, scoring their first goal within 30 seconds of kick off and the second one within the last 30 seconds of the match when Killer Giants supporters were hoping for a miracle to force the game into a penalty shoot out.

Larne Maotwe shocked Killer Giants within the first minute of the game with a close range finish after receiving a neat pass from Trevor Moiseraele.

Just when everybody was waiting anxiously for the final whistle, Patrick Magosi struck to make it 2-0 and dash any hopes Killer Giants might have had. With that early goal, Letlapeng knew they had messed their opponents' game plan and relaxed with possession.

They were especially dangerous on the counter attacks, often letting Killer Giants bring the ball to their half and then quickly catching them on the break.

Moiseraele and Thabang Dira were instrumental in Letlapeng's charge with their skill and creativity, which gave the opponents' defence headaches.

Former BMC third choice goalkeeper Segopotso Mosikare proved, on a few occasions when he was challenged, that he was equal to the task and this seemed to easily frustrate Killer Giants' forwards. But he should consider himself lucky again because twice he was beaten hands down by Terence Maotwe but the woodwork came to his rescue.

Edwin Oreeng was supposed to lead Killer Giants' attack but was just too soft for a striker, often giving his markers time to receive the ball first while former Extension Gunners' winger Obakeng 'Jabu' Phuduhutswana's showboating only served to limit Killer Giants chances in front of goal. Mopako's lack of pace on the right wing also made life easier for the opposition's defence as they would get enough time to regroup and position themselves before he could send in a cross into the danger area.

A notable absentee from the Killer Giants' line-up was speedy winger Tebogo Letsomane who played a big role in helping the team to a near- promotion performance last season.

Killer Giants had just lost two friendly games against Gunners and Township Rollers ahead of this game while Letlapeng were still hot following their impressive performance in the relegation play-offs last weekend where they registered seven wins and a single draw to gain promotion to the First Division South league.

Now signs are that Letlapeng will be a hard nut to crack in the new season and they are also determined to continue their good form in the new season 'especially' against Killer Giants.