Newbies add to Matebele’s misery with maiden win
Premier League newbies, Enesia FC continued their strong start to the season on Saturday, overcoming struggling Matebele by a goal to nil to seal their first-ever victory in the elite division.
The Gerald Estates outfit were good value for the win, bossing their more-established opponents in a dominant second-half showing, to the delight of their small but vocal fan base, who did their best to create an atmosphere despite being drowned out by the cavernous Obed Itani Chilume stadium.
Indeed, had their finishing matched their slick build-up play, and had star striker, Mbatshi Elias not forgotten his scoring boots at home, Vakuru would have been out-of-sight long before the final whistle blew.
In the end, Odirile Lekoba’s cheeky 55th minute backheel proved enough, the highly-rated midfielder striking for the second game running, albeit in controversial circumstances, keeping a cool head after a mad scramble in the box.
Signed from Tonota in the off-season, where he played a starring role in TNT’s Championship winning run, Lekoba’s trickery and skill gives Enesia a much-needed x-factor up front.
The 25-year-old was rewarded for his stellar season with a call-up to the preliminary 53-man squad for the Zebra’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Against Orapa United in their opening game, Coach Pro Mokgathi’s men were pegged back after taking the lead and had to settle for a point.
They were not to be denied this time.
It continues the fairytale rise of a club that did not even exist two years ago.
Formed in 2025 after purchasing Chadibe’s First Division status, Enesia enjoyed promotion in their maiden campaign, overturning a two-goal first-leg deficit to beat Dinare in the play-offs.
It’s early days yet, and there are sterner tests to come, starting with a trip to table-topping Sua Flamingoes this weekend, but the Francistowners look very much at home in the top flight.
In stark contrast, these are bleak times for Matebele.
Rock bottom of the league, without either point or goal to their name after three games, Kuka Ntsu have put their faith firmly in youth this season, their squad consisting primarily of U23 players.
This inexperience showed in Ghetto.
Having held their own in an even, largely uneventful first half, the visitors faded badly after the break
Furious that Lekoba’s goal was allowed to stand, believing their keeper, Lesang Senne was fouled in the build-up, Matebele never regained their composure.
On another day, they might easily have conceded four or five.
Cut apart far too easily and far too often, they were indebted to Senne’s heroics in goal, the keeper pulling off several stunning saves, while some woeful finishing from Elias helped keep the deficit to one.
Their frustrations boiling over at full-time, Matebele Physical Trainer, Obonwe Moswate was shown a straight red, going overboard in his remonstrations at the referee.
The unsavory scenes continued in the tunnel, with security having to man-handle Moswate as he tried in vain to get to the ref.
Although ill-placed, going forward, it is the type of fight Matebele need to show on the pitch if they are to extend their stay in the Premier League beyond four seasons.
