Masitaoka FC resumed their 2022/23 Botswana Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Extension Gunners at Lobatse Sports Complex on Saturday evening. First starter Moloi Donald Thuto gave Majatlhaga the lead on the 66th minute with a sublime finish following a good team build up.
Kicking off the year 2023 with an away fixture, youthful Majatlhaga looked to bounce back from the defeat they suffered in the previous game, having lost 2-0 at home to Gaborone United prior to the festive season break.
Head Coach Mandla Mpofu made three changes in the line-up giving a 16 year-old Losika Ratshukudu premier league debut, Moloi Donald Thuto replaced injured Tapiwa Sepatela at right back position and lastly 19 year-old playmaker Gorata Bogale was given his first start playing in the attacking midfield role. Another debutant on the day Brian Vuyo Mankanku started the match on the bench against his former side.
The game started at a high pace with the visitors setting the tone by dominating ball possession in the opposition half looking for the opening goal. Striker Christopher Lemme had the first shot on target for Majatlhaga testing Gunners goalkeeper Isaac Moyo with a powerful shot inside the box with his weaker left foot which was saved for a corner kick. On the other side Gunners tested Victor James from a set piece after Marius Kotze committed a foul outside the box but James was alert and made a fine save as he parried the ball away. The two teams went into the half time break on level terms.
Second half began with Majatlhaga putting pressure on the home side especially after the introduction of Brian Mankanku who replaced Losika Ratshukudu at half time. The creative trio of Tsholang, Bogale and Mankanku was creating problems for Gunners defence.
Masitaoka pressure paid off on the 66th minute, with Moloi Thuto receiving the ball just outside the box before cutting inside to create a shooting space and found the bottom corner with an excellent shot from just inside the penalty area.
It could have been 2-0 on the 76th minute when substitute Lethabo Ogotseng who was unmarked at the far post received a fine cross from Mankanku but could not find the target. The only goal sealed Majatlhaga first away and fifth victory of the season.
Masitaoka are next in action at home on the 14th of January 2023 against Nico United, kicking off at 1600HRS.
Line-Up: James (16), Thuto (28), Gabadise (5), Kamberipa © (15), Khuduga (17), Kotze (8), Ramotse (18) (Ramotlhwa 23’), Bogale (2) (Gagoitseope 20’), Tsholang (19) (Manyoni 33’), Ratshukudu_L (29) (Mankanku 21’), Lemme (9) (Ogotseng 14’)
Subs Not Used: Motswagole (32), Tjizake (4), Van-Neel (22), Molelowamodimo (24)
Head Coach: Mandla Mpofu