Masitaoka FC

After a victory against Extension Gunners last weekend, Masitaoka will be back in Botswana Premier League action tomorrow for their first home game of the year against Nico United in Molepolole at Molepolole Sports Complex.

Head Coach Mandla Mpofu and his boys have been busy at training with preparations for this clash and this is what he had to say.

‘’Preparations for the next game against Nico United have gone well so far. The mood in camp is high, the boys seem to be excited with how the project of the club is going. I’m also happy with how our young players are responding to the way we want them to play, results will take care of themselves’’.

He additionally shared the team’s desired outcome for the game, ‘’Nico is a team that we can’t undermine because they are in the league to compete but for us playing at home means we have to try to give our best performance to make sure that we grind positive results’’.

Majatlhaga are still in 6th position on the Botswana Premier League log, with 16 points after 10 games, whereas Majombolo are currently occupying 10th position with 11 points collected from 10 games as well.

Masitaoka will be without key players; Striker Ambrosius Amseb and winger Tlhago Ratshukudu who are both ruled out through injuries but have been boosted by the return of right fullback Tapiwa Sepatela and midfielder Itumeleng Salani.

The game kicks off at 15:30HRS and will be broadcasted live on Botswana Television (BTV). Live updates will also be provided across Masitaoka’s social media platforms.

Tickets for the match are available online via Webtickets, Spar Shops countrywide and at Route 3 Pub & Grill in Molepolole at P30.00/each. No tickets will be sold at the stadium.

Masitaoka FC can officially confirm that the club has parted ways with Goalkeeper Katlego Mbise. His contract has been terminated due to numerous disciplinary issues and breach of the club’s code of conduct.

Mbise joined us at the beginning of 2021/22 season from Jwaneng Galaxy. The 27-year-old’s deal was initially due to expire at the end of June 2023. He featured in 13 games for Majatlhaga as well as keeping 2 cleansheets.

Everyone at the club wishes Katlego all the best for the future.

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

Following the festive season break, Masitaoka will be back in Premier League action and looking to collect maximum points from their 2023 opening clash when they travel to Lobatse to face Extension Gunners on Saturday night.

Both Majatlhaga and Mapantsola lost their previous league encounters last year. Masitaoka lost 2-0 against log leaders Gaborone United while the hosts were beaten 1-0 by Premier League newcomers Nico United.

Masitaoka and Gunners last met in February 2022 and Majatlhaga collected three points from that match winning 2-1 courtesy of a brace from Ambrosius Amseb at Royal Aria Stadium in Tlokweng.

Coach Mandla Mpofu’s side will be without three key players; Tapiwa Sepatela, Itumeleng Salani and Tlhago Ratshukudu who are all side-lined by injuries.

The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:00HRS on Saturday at Lobatse Sports Complex. Live updates will also be provided across Masitaoka’s social media platforms.

Tickets for the match are available online via Webtickets and across Spar Shops countrywide at P50.00 Grand Stand and P30.00 Elsewhere. No tickets will be sold at the stadium.