04 Jun 2023

VTM joined top flight football after a pulsating 6-5 sudden death spot-kick victory over Chadibe on Saturday.  Team skipper and second-half substitute, Ayanda Molefe, secured promotion for Bafana Ba Dijabane that joined Matebele who were automatically promoted to the Botswana Premier League after winning the First Division South league. Chadibe travelled to the VTM Arena with a 1-0 lead from the first round.

After a goalless first half, VTM gaffer, Leutlwile Tshireletso, made tactical changes that paid off.

In his first contribution, Molefe collected a pass after some neat exchanges outside the box and rounded off Michael James in Chadibe’s last line of defence before slotting the ball into an empty net.

James was once again beaten by Lucky Mokoena’s effort, but the latter was unlucky as his first time strike brushed the upright.

VTM were pressing forward with better opportunities on the counter, but failed to kill off the match with less than 15 minutes on the clock when Molefe failed to grab his brace when he guided his shot wide.

VTM got an insurance goal with 10 minutes to go as another second-half substitute, Bogosi Nfila tapped into the net.

Molefe made a clever back heel to Sifiso Myeni who dashed down the left flank and executed an outside boot pass to Nfila who extended the lead.

With seconds left before regulation time, VTM keeper, Victor Mothakaja spilled an easy looking corner-kick which was met by substitute, Patrick Setumbeko to silence the vociferous VTM fans who had packed the arena.

The goal set the two teams for a penalty showdown.

After the teams had scored all the five spot-kicks, Setumbeko turned into a villain as he ballooned his effort high above the cross bar to send VTM into wild raptures. ENDS