JKJ Express loses on home ground

JKJ Express (Pty) Ltd lost at their home ground after conceding two goals against visitors Amrod.

JKJ hosted a friendly match against Amrod at the Kempton Park Football Club grounds on May 5, and the guests left smiling after defeating the hosts 2-1.

Helen Tsotetsi, a JKJ Express (Pty) Ltd employee and the friendly match organiser, said the match aimed to promote fitness in the work environment.

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“The purpose was to promote fitness in a corporate environment and build a team spirit that enables success in the company.

“This will enable the players to train as they prepare for more games we plan to have against several companies,” Tsotetsi said.

The hosts dominated the visitors in the first half, giving them hope of winning the match.

The Amrod team was caught lacking and couldn’t finish their passes, which resulted in a lower ball possession, and JKJ took advantage.

Karabo Motloutsi scored an opener for JKJ, giving them the lead.

Amrod recorded the most shots. However, JKJ built a defensive wall with their goalkeeper and denied Amrod the chance to score. The first half ended with a 1-0 lead to the hosts.

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The Amrod team came prepared in the second half and dominated while JKJ tried to net the ball.

Kwena Mokgohloa eventually scored an equaliser for Amrod.

JKJ dropped the ball and lost possession.

JKJ scored its second goal, but it was ruled offside. They kept pressing and creating chances to ensure they scored a leading goal. Mokgotloa took another goal for Amrod, giving them a 2-1 lead.

JKJ’s acting coach, Bernard Kolo, said regardless of losing the game, he is impressed with his team’s performance. They tried their best because they do not play that often.

“My team performed very well, created chances and managed to score. I did not expect this kind of performance because we do not play that often and do not train every day, so I’m impressed.

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“It was our first game, and we saw where we lacked, so I believe we will do better in the next game,” Kolo remarked.

Amrod captain Kabelo Motlokoane said the game was tough because of fitness.

“The first half was difficult for both sides. I believe it was because of the fitness of both teams. Some of us do not play week in and week out.

“Most of JKJ’s players got tired in the second half, and we took advantage of it. We came back from 1-0 down in the first half but managed to score two goals and win the game,” Motlokoane said.

Regardless of the visitors leading 2-1, JKJ goalkeeper Tshepo Motloutsi made incredible saves to deny them the chance to score more goals. JKJ fought till the end, but it was not enough as they failed to score an equaliser or a winning goal.

Jason Rudiger, the director of JKJ Express (Pty) Ltd, said that although they lost, they did well, and he is happy with their performance.

“I feel the guys did well. It was their first game since we put this team together. In my opinion, a loss of 2-1 is a pretty good start. Considering we missed a few shots at goal, this could have gone either way.

“Our goal here is to bring the guys together. It is not always about winning. You win some, you lose some. Nice to see them have fun out of the office and off duty,” Rudiger said.