19 Jun 2022

From the dusty streets of Aerodrome in Francistown has emerged the ‘angels,’ a team of youngsters that is now ready to face the big boys of Botswana football.

The evergreen Eleven Angels shocked the football fraternity when they thrashed Mochudi Centre Chiefs 5-0 in the second leg of premier league promotional play-offs in Francistown on Saturday.

The country’s second city is now represented in the premier league and residents are happy that big games will now take place at either Obert Itani Chilume Stadium or the historical old Francistown stadium.

A victory with an avalanche of goals against the experienced Mochudi Centre Chiefs pleased the spectators more and gave them confidence that their young boys had come of age.

The first goal of Lekgamu la Bananyana, as Angels are known in some quarters, was netted by Desmond Mtofuka via a penalty kick.

The goal sparked riots at the main stand as spectators threw cans and bottles before storming the pitch thereby causing the match to be halted for about 30 minutes.

After the game resumed, the Francistown based outfit scored two more goals through Mompati Mbidzo and a header from a corner kick by Mtofuka. The score was 3-0 at half-time. In the second-half, Magosi’s efforts to score goals did not bear any fruit although they had numerous chances.

Angels substitute, Keletso Ogotseng, tapped in another goal to make it 4-0 in the 77th minute after dribbling past the Magosi’s defence and goalkeeper.

Magosi’s defence looked weaker and the hosts managed to score the final goal through another substitute, Fungai Muzila to make it 5-0. Eleven Angels youthful coach, Seemo Mpatane, said teamwork paid off.  He said his team had been together from the grassroots level.

He said building from the grassroots level was important, adding that development and scouting for talent was critical to build a team, Mpatane explained that he was happy with his teams’ performance against an experienced team.

He said the way forward was to rise to the occasion and perform in the top league.

The challenge, Mpatane added, would be tougher and that his goal was to do well and maintain their stay in the elite league.

For his part, Mochudi Centre Chiefs coach, Thatayaone Tebele, congratulated Mpatane for their win.

He said the encounter was tough for his side and the better team won.

However, Tebelesaid he was disappointed with the outcome of the game.

Francistown mayor, Godisagang Radisego said he was happy that his city’s team came up tops.

He said playing in the elite league would promote sport tourism and boost the city economy.  He urged Francistown residents to rally behind the team, adding the city council would strive to find a sponsor for the team. BOPA