By Sista Masilo
MAQUASSI HILLS –
A massive goalkeeping performance from Ntando Qolintaba kept Wollies Academy’s Motsepe League promotion dream alive after a tense 0-0 “do-or-die” draw against Bakgatla FC. The North West provincial playoff match, played in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, saw both sides fight until the final whistle with a place in the promotion spots on the line.
Only one team could take the win, but neither gave an inch.Wollies Academy from Maquassi Hills matched Bakgatla blow for blow. Both teams denied each other space for long-range shots and had a fair share of efforts on goal, but the goalkeepers stood firm.After the dust had settled, we spoke to the coach of the promoted team, Mr. Dingaan Tlhalepe.
He said passionately that the last game against Bakgatla was the toughest of the campaign. “Bakgatla FC kept on fighting and trying to break the wall behind, but we have a strong backline,” said Coach Dingaan. He added that the technical team did their homework. “We analysed our opponent and it paid off. We pushed them to penalties because we knew the capability we have to win the game at penalties,” he said.
“With a confident goalkeeper at the back and a strong team, we as Wollies Academy did our work and got good results.”Qolintaba was named Man of the Match for his shot-stopping heroics that kept Wollies in the contest and took the game to penalties.Wollies Academy will now advance with their promotion hopes still intact.
