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By OBAKENG MAJE

Bakwena Ba Metsi A Pula Football Club coach, Mosimanegape Phutiyagae was over the moon after his team won R8000 in a Top 8 finals in Manthe village, near Taung on Sunday. The Amalia-based football club walloped the organisers, Queenspark Rangers 2-1 in a thriller.

Phutiyage said they fought like warriors after trailing 1-0 before half-time, but came back strongly and eventually scored a winning goal.

“We are happy to win this tournament and this shows that without discipline, dedication and determination we could not achieve this victory. Our players showed pedigree and the hunger to win.

“We wanted it more than anyone, that is why we fought like wounded lions even though our backs were against the wall in the first half. I also want to applaud all teams that participated in this tournament because they brought their A-game,” he said.

Phutiyagae further said he did not panic even though they were trailing before half-time, but capitalised on Queenspark Rangers FC mistakes. He added that the host had ‘no strategy’ especially in the second stanza as they played aerial balls.  

“We came back strongly after half-time and turned the game into our favour. We played with confidence and knocked the ball around. I realised that we can win the game after getting an equaliser.

“After scoring an equaliser, we took the game to them and matched them pound for pound. Queenspark Rangers FC is a great team, but they lacked concentration. However, I would like to applaud their coach after showing a good recital,” said Phutiyagae.

Meanwhile, the Queenspark Rangers FC coach, Obakeng ‘Prosto’ Mogabale said: “This is part of football and our players did not show any hunger during the second half. We showed lack of concentration and we lost the game. Our players relapsed during the most crucial time and gave the ball away easily.

“However, we will go back to the drawing board and try to rectify our mistakes and prepare for our next game. Our goalkeeper, Katlego ‘Makgasa’ Tikane was also not on top of his game during the finals. He was awkward at times and applied delaying tactics.”

Mogabale said Tikane’s lacklustre performance assisted their opponents to come back into the game.

“They came back strongly and managed to equalise before scoring a winning goal from a free kick. I personally spoke to our goalkeeper, but he let his emotions shadow his judgement. He is a great goalie, but what happened was unfortunate.

“We are now looking forward to our next game this coming weekend. I also want to applaud everyone who took part in this tournament because grassroots football always encourages players to improve their football skills whilst having fun,” said Mogabale.

He further said these kinds of tournaments help players to develop their talents and confidence. Mogabale said their aim is to see their players competing with the best in the elite leagues regardless of where they come from.

Bakwena Ba Metsi A Pula FC player, Lebogang ‘Maestro’ Phutiyagae (21) who scored a winning goal said: “I am very grateful for winning this tournament because we came all the way from Amalia to participate in this tournament.

“It was encouraging to see our players showing a pedigree and playing with confidence even though chips were down. I am over the moon and I wish my dream can come true as I would like to see myself playing in the elite league one day.”

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