06 Mar 2022

Orapa United defeated Mahalapye Railway Highlanders 1-0 in a premier league encounter at Itekeng stadium in Orapa on Saturday.
Orapa United aka The Ostriches failed to convert several opportunities presented to them during the first half.

They made their intentions known early into the game when Lemogang ‘Ntoche’ Maswena released a thunderbolt that Highlanders goalkeeper, Thabo Dambe saved.
Five minutes later, Maswena returned back to the goal post but it was evident that Dambe was set to defy the hosts’ efforts.

The Ostriches seemed so determined to score a goal in the first half as they dominated possession.
Maswena did not have any intentions to retreat, as he camped on their opponents’ side and he kept pilling pressure.

Orapa United’s Onkemetse Powe also attempted a goal on the 24th minute, but proved futile as MR Highlanders goal minder proved to be no walk over.
The teams went to recess at goalless score.
Given their agility, Orapa United found the back of the net through a corner kick by Allen Ndodole after half time.

Bokang Rathipana of MR Highlanders attempted a goal but Ostriches keeper Joseph Gojamang     defended well.
Despite substituting Thabang Thotsapele with Kealeboga Bonang, the Mahalapye side’s move did not bear any fruits till the final whistle.
During the interview MR Highlanders coach, Kabo Dintwa, said his side did not do well in the first 45 minutes and started picking performance during second half.
The coach said it was a concern given their low position in the league’s log standing.

He said having a lot of games during the week and on weekends was their undoing as it hindered them a chance to go to the drawing board.
Dintwa said they would go back to training to rectify their mistakes.

For his part Orapa United coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote said they had a lot of chances, but failed to convert them.
He noted that during first half they had a lot of chances and could have scored three goals, but did not convert.

He said the game was one of those games that was more of a relief even to the players, adding that the victory would boost the players’ confidence.
Their opponents, he said, had two chances but their goal keeper and defenders were vigilant. ENDS