Moorosi Tsiane
KEKETSO Snyders’ lone goal helped LCS return to winning ways edging Kick4Life 0-1 in an entertaining Econet Premier League match at LCS Ground yesterday afternoon.
The win saw LCS move from fifth to pole position with 11 points in five matches.
Both teams went into the match on the back of draws in their respective matches. Kick4Life drew 1-1 with Likhopo while LCS shared the spoils with new comers Lijabatho in a goalless encounter.
This was Kick4Life’s second loss of the season after losing by a similar margin to LMPS three weeks ago.
Both sides began the match with determination and gave some entertaining performances with Kick4Life running all over LCS in the opening minutes.
Masheshena also tried to attack but made poor decisions in the final third and the match went for the break with the sides deadlocked.
LCS made their first change immediately after the break introducing speedy winger Thetso Phoshuli for Lehlohonolo Lenka.
Kick4Life squandered an opportunity to open the scoring three minutes into the second stanza when James Tabi’s set piece inside the penalty arch was easily dealt with by LCS goalkeeper Rorisang Moabi.
It was LCS who broke the deadlock on 55 minutes when Khethisa Masenyete intercepted Teboho Lekhooa’s ball from the middle of the park, ran down the right flank before he crossing to Snyders, who headed home.
Kick4Life tried to fight their way into the match and Moabi had to pull an outstanding save from Khubetsoana Kamela’s shot on 57 minutes a smooth interchange of passes between Kamela and Lekhooa just outside the penalty box.
LCS suffered a blow on the hour mark as left back Refiloe Mothae was forced off the field after an injury. He was replaced by Rapuleng Maime.
A minute later Kick4Life pulled out Kamela and Paballo Mafeka for Sanele Phantse and Tšepang Ntšenyane.
LCS could have extended their lead on 78 minutes but James Mothotjeloa squandered that chance shooting wide from close range.
Kick4Life’s last substitute saw Tabi making way for Teboho Ramothobi three minutes before the final whistle.
After the match, Kick4Life coach Katiso Mojakhomo said he was disappointed with the results but said they would work hard to turn things around.
“Just like last week, we only got better in the second half and unfortunately, it was a too late and we lost the match,” Mojakhomo said.
“No coach would be happy with a loss but we are still new and trying to change how we play.
“We will get there. The progress is evident and I am confident that we will improve with time.
“Today (yesterday) things didn’t go according to plan. We got many things wrong from the start but it’s not an excuse. We will go back and prepare for our next fixture.”
On his part, LCS assistant coach Shalane Lehohla said they were happy with the win.
“We play for three points and we are happy that we collected them. We are not too pleased with how we played but we are happy to have won.
“Kick4Life has energy and looked dangerous on the breaks but were not clinical. We also had our fair share of chances. We will be content with the win and build from the performance,” Lehohla said.
In the first of the two matches at LCS Ground, Likhopo came from a goal down to thump Liphakoe 1-4.
Elsewhere, LDF registered their first win of the season beating hapless Swallows 0-2 at Ratjomose Ground.
At Maputsoe DIFA Ground, Lioli eased to a 2-0 win over Linare.