Moorosi Tsiane
LCS debutant Daniel Twumasi scored twice to break the hearts of Matlama supporters as the correctional services side romped to a 2-0 victory in the two teams’ Vodacom Premier League match at LCS Ground yesterday.
The loss added to the list of Matlama’s miseries after players got in an allowance row with the management a fortnight ago.
The Ghanaian Twumasi got his first goal in the 20th minute after expertly controlling Makara Ntaitsane’s cross on the chest inside penalty area, before shooting on the turn to send the supporters into a frenzy.
A minute later Matlama made an early substitution bringing in Khotso Molulela for John Mohai as the Sea Point outfit sought to stabilise their defence but the team continued to struggle especially in midfield and as a result, there was no meaningful service for Mabuti Potloane upfront.
LCS continued to pile pressure on their opponents but they lacked sharpness in the final third.
Immediately after half time break, Matlama made a tactical substitution, bringing in hardworking striker Motebang Sera for Tankiso Makhutla who had a dull match.
Tse Putsoa began to see lot of the ball after Potloane dropped to the second striker position to assist the midfield duo of Phafa Tsosane and Kefuoe Mahula.
Matlama were almost rewarded on 53rd minutes but Potloane’s header narrowly missed the target.
Two minutes later Matlama were at it again but Jane Thabantso was unlucky to see his volley sail over the bar.
It was now an open contest with the teams taking the game to each other.
LCS made a double substitution when Kutloisiso Nthonyana and Mosiuoa Boseka were brought on for Lebohang Moabi and Lehlohonolo Lenka respectively on 74th minutes.
Not long afterwards, Matlama were punished for poor marking which allowed Twumasi to head home Tšepo Rantaitsane’s cross from the right wing.
There would be no hat trick however as five minutes before the end, Twumasi made way for Tahayim Mark.
Boseka could have hammered the final nail on Matlama’s coffin on the stroke of full time but his well-taken set piece crashed against the cross bar.
In post-match interview, Matlama coach Seephephe Matete could not hide his disappointment and blamed internal problems for team’s poor performance.
“We have some internal problems and it was clear that my players were not mentally prepared,” Matete said, adding, “management have to work hard and get to the bottom of whatever issues they have with players because it is now affecting their performance. I am not happy at all.”
On the other hand, LCS coach Mpitsa Marai said he was impressed with his charges’ performance.
“We implemented what we had practiced so I am happy but what is important is to focus on our next match and avoid complacency because it is that time of the season where every team fights for something.
“We don’t want to put ourselves under pressure about winning the league and we will take every match as it comes,” said a jubilant Marai.
Elsewhere, LDF played out a one-all draw with LMPS at Ratjomose Ground while Sky Battalion beat relegation-bound Butha-Buthe Warriors 3-0 in a battle of the rookies match played as a first match of the double header played at LCS.
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