Leemisa Thuseho
KOETE Mohloai’s hat-trick saw LDF edge relegation-threatened Liphakoe 2-3 in an Econet Premier League (EPL) clash at LCS Ground yesterday afternoon.
Having won only one game after 13 games and having also lost 4-1 to LCS in their last outing, Liphakoe were hoping to pick up the pieces and step away from the relegation zone. However, that was not the case.
This was Liphakoe’s newly appointed coach -Teele Ntšonyana’s second league game and he has lost both.
LDF also endured a difficult first round of the season winning just three, drawing five and losing five.
LDF missed the first clear chance of the game on 15 minutes after Tšeliso Phera’s attempt went wide.
Two minutes later, LDF were also close but Tšepo Toloane’s low shot lacked power and was gathered easily by keeper-Tankiso Chaba.
LDF enjoyed more chances in the early stages but failed to convert until the 20th minute when Mohloai put them ahead.
The two sides continued attacking pound for pound thereafter and Liphakoe’s Tšeliso Ramafikeng came close in the 32nd minute.
Soon after half time Ntema Mocoane equalised for Liphakoe and went on to substitute Neo Sk’hosana for Tšepang Makapa on 57 minutes.
A minute later, LDF responded by another goal from Mohloai from a well taken Tsolo Mokapane corner.
Liphakoe went on to debut new signing Retšilisitsoe Moepi on 60 minutes replacing Thabiso Rasekoai. He immediately contributed to the next goal as his free kick deflected onto Tlotliso Tumahole into the net.
Mohloai completed his hat-trick in the last seven minutes of the game after a good follow-up on Phera’s attempt that hit the crossbar.
LDF coach Motheo Mohapi said he was unhappy despite the win.
“My team’s attitude was poor,” Mohapi said.
“The players should play according to the demands of the game instead of waiting for the coach to always tell them what to do. Players compete with their own minds; they must react to their opponent’s movements at the same time being smart enough to display their capability while having the ball.”
He said despite winning only four so far, there was still hope to finish the season in the top four.
“Our target is definitely the top four and not top eight.”
On his part, Ntšonyana said they are in a re-building phase and he was happy with the progress.
“We are rebuilding and it is obvious results will not come over night. We must rebuild the players’ confidence and the team structures but I am confident that everything will be well soon,” Ntšonyana said.
Elsewhere, Bantu continued on its rampage beating their favourite victims Kick4Life 3-1 at Setsoto Stadium. The win was Bantu’s eight on the go.
Sefotha-fotha also meant serious business dismissing Swallows 0-3 score at Nyakosoba.
Linare thumped Likhopo 4-0 at Maputsoe DIFA Ground.