Back at number one

“WE have just reclaimed our number one spot on the log. The players are motivated and our aim is to win the league. If we beat Vasco da Gama in the Nedbank Cup, it will be a bonus to the players, their families and our supporters, but we rather not do well in the cup and win the league.”

These were the words of Bellevue Winners Park coach, Joel Mongalo, after the team regained their first place in the ABC Motsepe League.

Winners Park toppled log leaders, Magezi FC with a 1-0 win at the Giyani Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Winners Park looked down and out in the early stages of the match, and the coach made an early substitution, bringing in Kabelo Sealetsa for Fina Mabasa.

However, his plan almost backfired when Mabasa was rushed to hospital after he collided into Magezi FC goalkeeper, Andrew Sekhaolelo.

Mabasa’s injury proved to be a blessing in disguise though, as his substitute, Lebogang Sithole, went on to score the only goal of the match.

By the time of going to print, it was still not known if Mabasa would recover in time for Winners Park’s Nedbank Cup clash against National First Division club, Vasco da Gama, which is scheduled to take place at the Giyani Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Magesi FC coach, Jacky Ledwaba, said Lady Luck deserted them on Saturday as they should have wrapped up the match in the dying stages of the second half.

He said it was too early to talk about winning the league as there was still too much football to be played.

“The defeat was hard to accept, but I told the players to keep their heads held high. They should learn from their mistakes and make amends in the next match.

“We are still in the early stages of the season and anyone can still win the league,” Ledwaba said.