Bright, Kgengwenyane demonstrate tactical prowess

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday April 16, 2013 00:00

 

Rollers and Chiefs both lost 4-1 against GU and BDF XI respectively in the last four stage of the knockout competition. Two local coaches, David Bright and Letang Kgengwenyane were at the helm of the two sides who both scored four goals against their opponents. Over the last couple of seasons, Rollers have dominated GU including in the same knockout competition last season.

The arrival of Major Bright was welcomed by a large section of GU supporters. Bright has been credited for GU's famous victory over South African giants, Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League a few years ago. And since his arrival this season, Rollers are yet to beat GU. They have played three times with GU winning two encounters. The other match ended in a draw. On Saturday, GU missed their most consistent player this season, Alphonse Modisaotsile in their line-up. Bright opted for Tebogo Sosome to play alongside Jackie Mothatego in midfield. Rollers on the other hand kept Ntesang Simanyana and Sekhana Koko on the bench and played with two strikers upfront. Although Rollers grabbed an early goal, GU proved to have done their homework when they regrouped immediately and started pressing Rollers. The usually mobile and creative Rollers' midfield found themselves with little room to manoeuvre with GU midfielders particularly Sosome closing all potential openings for Rollers. With two central midfielders closing up every little space against Rollers' midfield machine of Lawrence Majawa and Maano Ditshupo, Moemedi Moatlhaping and Kgololo Leteane attacked Rollers' two fullbacks at high speed.

The usually offensive rightback, Simisane Mathumo and leftback, Edwin Olerile were forced to stay back for most of the time. The normally aggressive Ronald Chikomo joined Tebogo Sembowa leaving Rollers' defence in disarray. By the time they scored the fourth goal, Rollers looked like a side that was in the dark about what had hit them. It was only after the introduction of Simanyana as well as central defender, Agisanyang Ramaabya that they showed a bit of direction.  However, GU were already home and dry, having scored four important away goals.The decision by Rollers' mentor, Darlington Dodo, to keep speedy winger Sekhana Koko and Simanyana on the bench proved suicidal.

Another local coach, Kgengwenyane also showed his tactical prowess against the national champions. Experienced midfielder Boitumelo Mafoko was deployed to close down Dirang Moloi whose skill and vision could pose danger to any side. The usually reliable winger, Lemponye Tshireletso found Chiefs' rightback, Tshepo Motlhabankwe in his element. With Tshireletso offering little on the day, BDF XI attacked more through right with former Extension Gunners' midfielder, Ofentse Mmipi having a field day. Mmipi and striker Saukani Zulu were a thorn in Chiefs' defence, which showed signs of fatigue especially in the middle of the second half. Although they expect the team to have fully jelled next season, Matebele now look like a side that has been together for a long time. They have scored 12 goals in the last three matches, setting up a potentially interesting second leg. The results have left both Rollers and Chiefs with a mountain to climb. Rollers now need to score four goals and avoid conceding. Chiefs need to score three and stop BDF XI from getting an away goal.