Buffaloes dehorned in the dust of Ghetto
Pilikwe United became the final side to seal their place in the Debswana First Division North on Saturday, breaking Desert Buffaloes’ hearts with a clinical display in Ghetto.
In a one-off, winner-takes-it-all clash at the Calendron Grounds, the Tswapong side proved slightly too strong for their Boteti opponents, wearing the Buffaloes down in the dust of Colored before striking in the 75th minute.
In the end, it was Gaobatlwe Kabelo who emerged the hero, the midfielder securing Pilikwe’s promotion with a superb low strike after skipping away from Buffaloes’ rampaging defenders.
Although they had 15 minutes to force an equalizer and take the game to penalties, Coach Bapisane Molopata’s players struggled to create a decent opening.
On the same ground where they hit City Kings for four in the Northern Block play-offs just a week earlier, restricted to hopeful shots and rushed passes, Buffaloes failed to breakdown their opponent’s well-drilled defence.
It is a back four that do not concede many!
In securing their place in the all-or-nothing encounter, Pilikwe finished second in the Eastern Block play-offs, keeping three clean sheets in their three matches.
Another shut-out against Buffaloes ensured Murphy Maseko’s men have not shipped a single goal in 360 minutes of football. They will now take their place in the second-tier of local football for the first time in their history, a fitting anniversary present for the club, who turn 20 this year.
HOW THEY SAW IT
BAPISANE MOLOPATA
“Let me first appreciate my guys for their hard work from winning the league to now. This is a watershed moment for us and I believe we will be back again next season.
We had the misfortune of succumbing to fatigue.”
MURPHY MASEKO
“All I can say is that I came here knowing what to expect. I was here last week watching them play and went back to plan for them.
I’m pleased with how my boys I played; we were the stronger side throughout and deserved to win.”
