After labouring to a 2-1 win over Mogoditshane Fighters in a league game on Thursday afternoon, BMC head coach, Daniel ‘Chicco’ Nare, has challenged his side to put up a better show when they take on unpredictable BDF XI in the Mascom Top 8 quarterfinal first leg at Molepolole Sports Stadium this afternoon (kickoff is at 3pm).
Ezinkomo were disappointing against Fighters and the charismatic coach is keeping his fingers crossed that they use their home advantage this afternoon.
“We failed to perform, especially in the first half but this is due to the long break we’ve had. We managed to pick up the pieces in the second half and managed to get the goals. We picked the mistakes we did against Fighters and we’ll have to rectify them before we play BDF XI. They (BDF XI) are a good side and we’ll have to be at our best if we intend coming with a positive result,” said Nare.
He added that they will have to guard against conceding a goal since it will be their home game. He pointed out a clean sheet would put them at an advantage going into the second leg, scheduled to be played at the same venue on March 9.
“Our plan is to compete strongly in this cup and go beyond the BDF XI,” he added. Ezinkomo were eliminated in the quarterfinals by ECCO City Greens in last year’s edition, something which is said to have not gone down well with BMC management. Against Matebele, Nare will once again pin his hopes on strikers Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Audience Rundofa to score the goals.
Kgetholetsile was on target in midweek while Rundofa, who was signed from TAFIC in January, is still to open his account. BDF XI head coach, Letang Kgengwenyane, is confident that his side will outwit their opponents come the end of 90 minutes. Matebele held Mochudi Centre Chiefs to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night in a league game in Molepolole. Though they missed five of their regular stars, BDF XI managed to contain the expensively assembled Mochudi outfit.
“If we managed to contain a strong side like Chiefs, I have no doubt that we can beat BMC. It is my wish that all the players who were not available today recover in time for the game against BMC,” said Kgengwenyane.
Against Chiefs, Matebele had to do without Ndiyapo Letsholathebe, Molatedi Mabina, Saukani Zulu, Kabo Rasuping and Lemponye Tshireletso who were all carrying injuries. In the second quarterfinal scheduled to kick off at 6pm at the same venue, Mogoditshane Fighters visit their boogey side Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
The Brazilians have in the past proven to be party spoilers and if they are in the mood, Chiefs are likely to suffer.
The name Khumbulani Madziba scares most of Chiefs’ supporters because he once destroyed Magosi single-handedly at UB Stadium last year. That game still rings bells in most of Chiefs’ supporters’ minds. But history suggests that Chiefs should not have any problems in disposing of their opponents. Chiefs are expected to welcome back their prodigal son, Dirang Moloi, who missed Chiefs’ last two games due to health reasons.
