The win sees Young Stars extend their lead at the summit to six points. Stars coach, Andrew Tlou expressed delight that his troops managed to break the deadlock although it was a huge mountain to climb as all of his players were rusty. “It was always going to be difficult because we have not played any competitive match since the break.
We had to take it step-by-step until we got the winning goal, which was really great by the boys,” an elated Tlou said. The gaffer further paid tribute to his players for showing tenacity until they got the winning goal in the dying minutes of the game to clinch all three points. “These guys know that the game is (only) over when the 90 minutes is done. Before 90 minutes we need to fight until the final whistle and that is the mentality I have instilled in them... to fight until the last minute and thanks to the boys for doing exactly that,” he said. “I am confident that if we continue like this, we can get it (promotion), but I understand this is a marathon and we cannot afford to slack down,” Tlou added.
The late winner came from their target man and captain, Serati Semadi. The latter made no mistake by capitalising on a rebound after Prisons XI goalkeeper, Ontiretse Gaothobogwe, had made a brilliant save to deny Thato Moganana. Prisons XI had a quiet day in the office coming close to scoring once through a free-kick that was saved by keeper Thomas Manyelela.
Young Stars missed a few chances, including one versus one by Botsile Kebaikanye who failed to compose himself and ended up putting the ball over the cross bar. Prisons XI coach, Sylvester Madise pleaded with Warders' fans to rally behind his struggling side. “The only thing that I can say to the fans is that we need them in our games. Even though we are not doing well, this is the time that we need them the most,” Madise pleaded.
The teams
Prisons XI: Ontiretse Gaothobogwe, Watunwa Muniazo, Kutlwano Sentsho, Kebatshabile Monthe, Mmoloki Chabanda, Vincent Monamati (Brian Lekwape), Kagiso Ralekwalo, Arnold Ntlogelang (Botsile Morotsi), Morapedi Kengaletswe (Thero Ntau), Tumo Keiketlile, Kabo Nthoiwa (Musa Tamokate).
Young Stars: Thomas Manyelela, Thulaganyo Sebeta (Kago Keotlogele), Abednico Motshipi, Mokaedi Ditsie, Thabiso Rantshese, Thato Moganana, Shaun Theron, Darren Matshuba (Karabo Seleinyane), Serati Semadi, Botsile Kebaikanye (Tshephang Molefe), Kgotso Radithongwa.
Prisons XI 0
Jwaneng Young Stars 1 (Semadi 89th)
