Dinare roar past Lions to maintain perfect start

However, the kings of the jungle fell agonisingly short as Dinare (the Buffaloes) carried the day, thanks to two superb strikes from seasoned forward, Thatayaone ‘Popo’ Ramatlapeng. The former Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs burly attacker found the net either side of the break to send Dinare clear at the top of the table after two rounds of matches.

Dinare had opened their season with a 3-0 demolition of Notwane, but Saturday’s victory carried greater significance as it came against fellow title contenders. Black Lions were relegated from the FNB Premiership last season and are eager to secure an immediate return to the top flight. Both sides showed they have the quality to compete at the highest level, serving up attractive football in an open and absorbing 90 minutes. However, poor decision-making in the final third proved to be the Achilles heel for both title contenders. The Ramotswa side took the lead as fans were still settling into their seats, as ‘Popo’ smashed a free-kick into the net. The pendulum swung from one end to the other, but the Lions had to wait until three minutes after the restart to find the equaliser through Onkemetse Powe.