Sport

Ostriches Shoot To The Top

Orapa United are the new leaders
 
Orapa United are the new leaders

The game lacked pace in the first half, but burst into life in the second part as Orapa United overtook Township Rollers at the top.

After the break, Thabang Sesinyi came on for Mandlenkosi Sibanda and the change inspired Madinda Ndlovu’s charges.

Orapa put a lot of pressure on Nico and the persistence paid in the 65th minute when Lenyeletse broke the deadlock. Ronald Chikomo back-flicked Kealeboga Molebatsi’s throw-in into Lenyeletse’s path and the latter controlled and slotted calmly at the far post.

Four minutes later, Lenyeletse grabbed his brace after Patrick Motsepe sent in a long throw. New boy, Onkabetse Makgantai headed down to Lenyeletse who took a shot through the packed 18-yard into the net.

The last nail in the coffin also came via a throw-in, but this time on the left flank.

Chikomo flicked Lesenya Ramoraka’s 72nd throw down in the 16-yard and Sesinyi pounced to take his goal tally to 12 and draw level with leading goal scorer, Gaborone United’s Moathodi Ralesotla.

Nico’s interim coach, Duncan Tshegofatso admitted his team was lost in the second half.

“All the goals were pathetic. We came back with the same approach on the second half, but we made a blunder and gave them a goal early from then we messed up, clearly we lacked communication and we could not connect,” Tshegofatso said.

His counterpart, Madinda Ndlovu said Sesinyi’s change was critical.

“We made a slow start to the game, but the whole aim of the game was to get the three points.  From the break, we put in Sesinyi and that was a self-motivated change. The boy is quick and he can bag a half chance. He improved our attack and we are happy for the three points, the battle continues,” Ndlovu said.

 

Orapa United: Mosimanegape Robert, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Lesenya Ramoraka, Kabo Mungabe, Olekantse Mambo, Thabang Mosige, Patrick Motsepe, Onkabetse Makgantai (Lemogang Maswena), Mandlaenkosi Sibanda (Thabang Sesinyi), Patrick Lenyeletse, Ronald Chikomo (Mgcini Sibanda)

Nico United: Kagiso Rankebekwa, Richard Legwaila, Thatayaone Dithokwe, Trinity Nko, Thatayaone Gaokgorwe, Khumoetsile Kufigwa, Nelson Moreetsi, Witness Livingstone, Samson Mogomotsi, Christopher Musonda, Obakeng Gaanabeng (Allen Ndodole)

Orapa (0) (3) (Lenyeletse 65th, 69th, Sesinyi 72nd)

Nico (0) (0)