04 Dec 2023

Desert Nxau and City Polar shared spoils in an action packed, mouthwatering First Division South League encounter played under sweltering heat on Saturday afternoon at Tsabong VDC grounds.

The host team opened its scoring account through Wakgotla Mothibi’s first-half stunning strike in the 24th minute after receiving a well-executed pass from Morebodi ‘Zokora’ Haenanyane.

However, in the 60th minute the game took a dramatic twist for Desert Nxau, when City Polar substitute striker Ontiretse ‘Luxion’ Molamu rattled the net with a first touch of the ball, barely a minute after his introduction.

Despite firing back, with the hope of retaining the lead, Desert Nxau failed to convert its chances.

Regardless of lagging behind earlier in the game,  in the second half, City Polar appeared to be fully charged and ultimately getting an equaliser.

In a post-match interview City Polar coach Nelson Olebile was impressed with securing a point away from home.

“Overall, I am happy with a point.  We knew it was going to be tough.

Desert Nxau are not an easy side when playing at home. When you look at the log-standing they are at the bottom of the log.

You will notice that the three points they have collected so far, was when they were playing on home ground,” said coach Olebile.

He said his charges started on a low note, partly due to fatigue, but gradually gained momentum especially in the second half.  

The gaffer commended his opponents for defending well.

Desert Nxau care-taker coach Joseph Coetzee appreciated getting a point against a team that is among the title chasers.  

“We played very well in the first half but in the second half, we allowed our opponents to pass the ball, creating goal scoring chances,” he said.

Coetzee said their opponents played long balls piling more pressure on his team.

“We failed to concentrate in the dying minutes of the game. In the game of football, when you do not concentrate, the other team capitalises on your mistakes.

He said they accepted this point and will go back to the drawing board to rectify their mistakes in preparation for the next game against Tlokweng United.

Coetzee appreciated his players for containing their strong opponents, adding that they will continue to improve on tactics in every game going forward.

“We are placed second from the bottom of the log-standing, but we remain hopeful. If we can get a point from such a team it shows that we can do it,” he said. Ends