Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo
LIVEWIRE winger Daniel Msendami returned from suspension in the Botswana Premier Soccer League to strike his ninth goal of the season in all competitions when his championship-chasing Jwaneng Galaxy won 2-0 away at Mogoditshane Fighters on Saturday.
The 22-year-old former Highlanders player who is on the radar of former South African champions SuperSport United put the game to bed with his team’s second goal in the 52nd minute. It was Msendami’s ninth goal in 20 appearances across all competitions for Jwaneng Galaxy.
Thabang Sesinyi had put Jwaneng Galaxy into the lead with a 15th minute goal, before the Zimbabwean winger killed the contest in the second half.
Having missed the midweek 2-0 away win against Sua Flamingoes, Msendami, who is having a terrific debut season in the Botswana Premiership was delighted with his goal, adding that his desire is to see Jwaneng Galaxy winning the championship.
Jwaneng Galaxy top the Botswana Premiership standings with 56 points from 23 outings, five points clear of defending champions Gaborone United who beat Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu-coached Masitaoka 2-0 at the weekend.
“It is good to bounce back into the starting team with a goal. I’m happy that my goal was enough to kill the contest and it settled our nerves. At 1-0, anything can happen, the opponents might force a draw but when you go 2-0, it eases nerves and assures you of maximum points.
“Credit to the team for fighting for maximum points. It wasn’t easy playing a side that is fighting relegation. A big shout out to my brother and teammate Nqobizitha Masuku who provided me with that pass that led to the goal,” said Msendami.
Masuku, who had a stellar show against Sua Flamingoes started his second consecutive game for Jwaneng Galaxy who ended the encounter with 10 men after skipper Lesego Keredilwe was shown a red card in the second half.
Meanwhile, despite losing 2-0 to defending champions Gaborone United who are second on the table, Mpofu heaped praises on his charges.
“Playing defending champions was always going to be a tricky game for us but I’m happy with the way the lads performed despite failing to get a point. They gave a good fight and didn’t hand the champions that victory on a silver platter. We’re going back to the drawing board to plan for our next game and hopefully we will bounce back stronger,” said Mpofu.
Masitaoka are sixth on the table with 38 points after 24 games.
Former Harare City’s Wilfred Muvirimi struck a brace as Taurai Mangwiro’s Orapa United overcame fifth-placed Security Systems 3-1 at home.
The victory took Orapa United’s points tally to 45 points from 23 games. Mangwiro’s outfit are third on the Botswana Premiership standings.
Meanwhile, ex-Highlanders and Orlando Pirates youth player Rodi Sibanda couldn’t save ninth on the table Sua Flamingoes as they suffered a 3-2 defeat away at Police XI.
Sibanda was introduced in the 80th minute for countryman Tendai Nyamusi.
Elsewhere, multi-championship winning gaffer Rahman Gumbo took his team’s unbeaten run to three matches after picking a crucial point on the road as they held giants Township Rollers to a goalless draw. Gumbo is in charge of 12th placed Morupule Wanderers who are on 27 points after 24 games and two places above relegation. — @ZililoR
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