VTM delighted for second chance
Larona Makhaiza | Monday May 15, 2023 16:00
The two sides are set to meet in a two-legged encounter after finishing as runners up in their respective Debswana First Division leagues. VTM finished behind Matebele FC while Chadibe FC are second to TAFIC in the north.
Speaking to journalists after Saturday's encounter against Broadhurst United, Mooketsi said after missing out on automatic promotion, they feel like they have been given a second chance after finishing second on the log. “God gave us the second chance because last weekend, we lost and became third on the log but today God gave us a chance and the boys played well,” an elated Mooketsi said.
Mooketsi was standing in for head coach, Leutlwetse Tshireletso who was said to be unwell. Mooketsi said the encounter against Chadibe FC will be tough for them. 'We have not seen Chadibe play and we will try by all means to collect the right information but for now we just have to prepare well,” he explained. VTM started off the match on a strong foot and it took only 11 minutes for captain, Senatla Molefe, to break the deadlock.
Molefe hit a powerful shot inside the 18th area that went in after hitting the crossbar. Despite getting an early goal, VTM did not for any moment keep off their foot on attack.
On the 24th minute Molefe put in a well laid pass for Emang Tlhasenyana who easily tapped it in to put his side 2-0 up. On the 37th minute, Bonginkosi Gumede nearly increased his side’s tally with a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Mpho Garebabitse pulled off an acrobatic save to deny him.
Four minutes later it was Tlhasenyana who found the back of the net once more to get his brace. Tlhasenyana brilliantly composed himself in the box to beat Garebabitse. In the second half, VTM continued from where they had left playing the high line.
On the 50th minute Machu Machu nearly added to United’s woes as he nearly scored in his own but was saved by the upright. Gumede missed on another great chance to put his name on the score sheet as he bottled Molefe’s exquisite cross. With over an hour played, United still did not have a clear-cut chance nor a shot at goal.
Molefe, who was seemingly on his A-game, also missed on a chance to get his brace from one versus one situation. Substitute Ernest Tawazadza had an instant impact in the game. Immediately after coming on, Tawazadza put in an exquisite pass for Tlhasenyana which beat the whole defence together with the goalkeeper. Tlhasenyana tapped into an open net to get his hattrick. Three minutes later after providing an assist, Tawazadza got his name on the score-sheet to put his side 5-0 up.
The teams:
VTM: Victor Mothakaja, Rooi Mahumatsa, Keabetswe Ludas, Kennedy Taukobong, Mpho Mooketsi, Kabelo Thomba (Thato Mogorosi), Sfiso Myeni, Musa Tamokate, Bonginkosi Gumede (Ernest Tawazadza), Senatla Molefe (Onkokame Koontse), Emang Tlhasenyana.
Broadhurst United: Mpho Garebabitse, Laone Phuthegelo, Edwin Lubinda, Machu Machu, Obatlamang Rukeru (Phenyo Sakwape), Godfrey Swabi, Tiroyaone Baepi, Lesego Setabole, Otlaathusa Gothibamang (Mopati Brooks), Thabang Pilane (Tlhalefang Amos), Barulaganye Bokhutlo.
VTM: 5 (Molefe 11th) (Tlhasenyana 24th, 41th, 66th) (Tawazadza 69th) Broadhurst United: 0