Masitaoka FC Lose First Game of the Season Under The New Head Coach

Masitaoka fell to a painful 3-1 loss to a very impressive Orapa United side on the opening day of Botswana Premier League 2022/23 campaign, in an encounter which was played on Saturday night at Itekeng Stadium.

The home side started the game very strong playing at a high tempo and intensity which saw them bossing Majatlhaga in the midfield. Their midfielders were more fluid in passing, especially former Masitaoka FC Vice-Captain Koketso Majafi and Zimbabwean playmaker Kelvin Bingala. The pressure finally paid off on the 18th minute when they took the lead through Omaatla Kebatho who pounced to head in from close range after getting a cross from the left flank.

Although Majatlhaga started the match chasing play, after conceding the first goal they grew into the game playing comfortably from the back in search of an immediate equalizer. Striker Ambrosius Obry Amseb found himself in a shooting space in the attacking zone; he took a shot from distance but unfortunately it was off target, Olebogeng Ramotse was in a similar position few minutes before the end of the first stanza as he unleashed a powerful strike which was comfortably saved by Lesenya Malapela.

Majatlhaga went into the half time break trailing but with enough positive signs to be confident of overturning the score line in the second half.

From the break, they continued where they left off the first half as they took full control of the match after the restart trying to penetrate through Orapa United backline. Amseb looked to level matters with a cracker from a free kick which went over the bar, Ramotse and Christopher Lemme also saw their attempts going wide.

Orapa went up on the other end and Lemogang Maswena scored with a powerful shot to make it 2-0 in the 63rd minute after miscommunication between Tapiwa Sepatela and Itumeleng Salani inside the box. Bingala rounded off their scoring with 10 minutes left on the clock capitalising from defensive lapse to make it 3-0. Ramotse scored a consolation goal for Majatlhaga sending Malapela the wrong way from the penalty spot in additional time.

Despite the loss and a disappointing result, Head Coach Mandla Mpofu was pleased with effort from the team and some positives from the game which can be improved going forward as they lock horns against a stubborn Security Systems in the opening home game of the season on Sunday afternoon at Molepolole Sports Complex, kick off at 1600HRS.

Line-Up: James (16), Sepatela (7), Gabadise (5), Kamberipa © (15), Khuduga (17), Kotze (8), Ramotse (18), Salani (11) (Gagoitseope 73’), Amseb (10) (Manyoni 73’), Van-Neel (22) (Tsholang 63’), Lemme (9)

Subs Not Used: Motswagole (32), Tjizake (4), Ramotlhwa (23), Molelowamodimo (24), Ratshukudu (13), Ogotseng (14)

Cautions: 17. T, Khuduga 37min’

Head Coach: Mandla Mpofu