Two minutes into the play-off final encounter, VTM FC coach, Leutlwetse Tshireletso’s bald was receiving frequent scratches, wondering how his team was going to navigate the last 88 minutes of the tie, without one of their trusted midfield engines.
Formerly with Extension Gunners, Jwaneng Galaxy, BDF XI and Matebele FC, Onkgolotse Bobby Motlhabankwe, the younger brother to the retired legend 'Talk-Talk' Motlhabankwe, came off limping after receiving a crunching tackle from Itireleng Oagetse on the first minute of the match, a huge blow for VTM as he has been the central figure in the side.
A crucial match in the history of both clubs, for ambitious and big spending VTM FC, it was a now or never moment to get promotion to the First Division league. UB Hawks, ‘The Students’, on the other side, gaining promotion would have sped up negotiations and or probably seal agreements with one of the local investors, who is more than willing to finance the side once they are in the First Division.
UB Hawks were on an unbeaten 19 run of games (18 wins and one draw) and needed only a point to seal their promotion while VTM needed nothing short of three points.
Alex Basimanebotlhe Malete, the UB Hawks head coach, is currently out in Morocco with the senior women national team, but for 90 minutes his interest was probably at Royal Aria, with hope that his side would promote to the second tier of National League Football.
VTM brought their star-studded arsenal, amongst them, Lesego Lubinda, Mothata Lucas, formerly of Gaborone United, Bogosi Mfila (Township Rollers), Langa Mbuli (Notwane FC) , Emang Tlhasenyana (Gilport Lions) , but it was former Uniao Flamengo Santos and Mochudi Center Chiefs mercurial winger Senatla ‘Ayanda’ Molefhe whose contributions severely punished The Students.
Against the run of play, during a moment when the Hawks looked more likely to punish a nervous looking VTM rearguard, Ayanda Molefhe was quick to react and slot home a chance that fell to his feet after he was left unmarked inside the box—following a quick counter-attacking play by his side, a goal he probably would never forget.
The match went into recess Bafana Ba Dijabane as VTM are fondly known, leading the tie, however UB Hawks were quick to equalize in the second half with Thabang Bojosi finishing off a brilliant move by his side on the 53rd minute.
On the 60th minute, Ayanda Molefhe once again proved to be a thorn to the Hawks defense as he won his side a penalty.
As he (Molefhe) got up, none of his teammates were closer to the ball; and as the team captain, he got up and offered the ball to Lesego Lubinda, who graciously declined the offer as the pressure of the kick was probably too much to carry for many.
“In that moment, it can never be easy for anyone to take a penalty, when I offered him the ball, I could tell he was not confident; he asked, ‘are you giving it to me’, at that moment, I decided that I should be the one to take responsibility. They needed a draw, we needed a win, so it was a pressure situation. This season alone, I have managed to convert about nine (9) penalties, so I stood up and thankfully managed to deliver,” Molefhe shared after the match.
As the captain of the side, Molefhe was yet to find the back of the net in the Play-offs but he turned up when it mattered most.
The jubilant Molefhe reflected on their season and said it has been a tough challenge after they faced a stiff battle from Thamaga Shooting Stars in the Kweneng Division 1 Regional Football.
“I am so happy, we have worked very hard over the season and to have achieved our goal feels special, it has not been easy, by hook or crook we needed to win today,” he said.
For The Students, it was a devastating defeat and it is now back to the drawing board.
“We played well but unfortunately gave away easy goals. Wv even arranged psychologists for these players and they will have another session next week. We need to recover and try again next season, we have a strong group and good support from the school management,” goalkeeper coach of UB Hawks, Tebogo 'Bone' Monnatsie shared after the match.
Following the establishment of the club in 2017, VTM FC have set themselves a target to compete in one of the CAF’s club competitions by the year 2031.
Financed by VTM Security, which is owned by Vincent Mafuta, the club harbors serious ambitions to be in the elite league in the near future and First Division football will be a serious test of their project.
Formerly with Extension Gunners, Jwaneng Galaxy, BDF XI and Matebele FC, Onkgolotse Bobby Motlhabankwe, the younger brother to the retired legend 'Talk-Talk' Motlhabankwe, came off limping after receiving a crunching tackle from Itireleng Oagetse on the first minute of the match, a huge blow for VTM as he has been the central figure in the side.
A crucial match in the history of both clubs, for ambitious and big spending VTM FC, it was a now or never moment to get promotion to the First Division league. UB Hawks, ‘The Students’, on the other side, gaining promotion would have sped up negotiations and or probably seal agreements with one of the local investors, who is more than willing to finance the side once they are in the First Division.
UB Hawks were on an unbeaten 19 run of games (18 wins and one draw) and needed only a point to seal their promotion while VTM needed nothing short of three points.
Alex Basimanebotlhe Malete, the UB Hawks head coach, is currently out in Morocco with the senior women national team, but for 90 minutes his interest was probably at Royal Aria, with hope that his side would promote to the second tier of National League Football.
VTM brought their star-studded arsenal, amongst them, Lesego Lubinda, Mothata Lucas, formerly of Gaborone United, Bogosi Mfila (Township Rollers), Langa Mbuli (Notwane FC) , Emang Tlhasenyana (Gilport Lions) , but it was former Uniao Flamengo Santos and Mochudi Center Chiefs mercurial winger Senatla ‘Ayanda’ Molefhe whose contributions severely punished The Students.
Against the run of play, during a moment when the Hawks looked more likely to punish a nervous looking VTM rearguard, Ayanda Molefhe was quick to react and slot home a chance that fell to his feet after he was left unmarked inside the box—following a quick counter-attacking play by his side, a goal he probably would never forget.
The match went into recess Bafana Ba Dijabane as VTM are fondly known, leading the tie, however UB Hawks were quick to equalize in the second half with Thabang Bojosi finishing off a brilliant move by his side on the 53rd minute.
On the 60th minute, Ayanda Molefhe once again proved to be a thorn to the Hawks defense as he won his side a penalty.
As he (Molefhe) got up, none of his teammates were closer to the ball; and as the team captain, he got up and offered the ball to Lesego Lubinda, who graciously declined the offer as the pressure of the kick was probably too much to carry for many.
“In that moment, it can never be easy for anyone to take a penalty, when I offered him the ball, I could tell he was not confident; he asked, ‘are you giving it to me’, at that moment, I decided that I should be the one to take responsibility. They needed a draw, we needed a win, so it was a pressure situation. This season alone, I have managed to convert about nine (9) penalties, so I stood up and thankfully managed to deliver,” Molefhe shared after the match.
As the captain of the side, Molefhe was yet to find the back of the net in the Play-offs but he turned up when it mattered most.
The jubilant Molefhe reflected on their season and said it has been a tough challenge after they faced a stiff battle from Thamaga Shooting Stars in the Kweneng Division 1 Regional Football.
“I am so happy, we have worked very hard over the season and to have achieved our goal feels special, it has not been easy, by hook or crook we needed to win today,” he said.
For The Students, it was a devastating defeat and it is now back to the drawing board.
“We played well but unfortunately gave away easy goals. Wv even arranged psychologists for these players and they will have another session next week. We need to recover and try again next season, we have a strong group and good support from the school management,” goalkeeper coach of UB Hawks, Tebogo 'Bone' Monnatsie shared after the match.
Following the establishment of the club in 2017, VTM FC have set themselves a target to compete in one of the CAF’s club competitions by the year 2031.
Financed by VTM Security, which is owned by Vincent Mafuta, the club harbors serious ambitions to be in the elite league in the near future and First Division football will be a serious test of their project.
