Mpatane hails ‘rural gem’ Ookame
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Angels (Ookame 35’) Nico
FRANCISTOWN: Eleven Angels coach, Seemo Mpatane was full of praise for his young forward, Eric Ookame following his sterling performance against Nico United in a league encounter played over the weekend.
Angels won the match at the Francistown Stadium through a solitary Ookame strike which proved to be decisive. The 22-year-old started the season on a low note but has now become a vital component of the team since the January’s departure of Monty Enosa to Masitaoka. Ookame has scored six goals since his full debut in January. Four of the six were outright winners.
“I will have to single out Ookame for his performance today. He is a smart humble boy. A very disciplined and a good personality to have in the dressing room. Even when he was not playing, he was a positive influence,” Mpatane said.
“He is a typical rural boy who never gives me any problem. He is always eager to improve and is destined for greatness,” further said the coach
Ookame joined Angels from Motlakase Power Dynamos in the off season. Apart from his latest goal, Ookame highlighted his resourcefulness as a player as he gave the visitors’ defence a torrid time with his slickness. He was also quick to track back and helped with defending when the team lost possession.
Despite the loss, Nico coach Raizor Tsatsilebe was also full praise for his players after the match.
“I can’t fault the boys that much. It was an evenly contested affair particularly in the first half, with a few opportunities. Both teams know each other. They (Angels) capitalised from our only notable mistake we made. We tried to get back into the match, but we were unlucky. Their goalkeeper was outstanding,” he said.
Angels’ goal came in the 35th minute when Ookame slotted the ball past Nico goalkeeper, Moraka Tauyatswala after shrugging off a challenge from his marker. Ookame received a neat looping ball from skipper, Bakang Mpatane. Mpatane has been one the bright sparks for Angels this campaign season and it was his fifth assist of the season. Ookame’s chance was the most prominent feature of a quiet first half for both sides.
Nico were the best team in the second stanza and came close to scoring on several occasions.
Angels’ goalkeeper, Emmanuel Keiditswe produced an excellent save from attacking midfielder Kelvin Ndebele in the 65th minute.
Just like Ookame, Keiditswe was superb in Angels’ win He was forced to make a double-quick save inside the goal area in the 73rd minute. First, he parried back into play Nigel Mlauzi’s initial attempt from a distance before tipping Ndebele’s follow-up attempt over the bar.
Keiditswe ensured that Angels walked away with three points when he produced another fine save during the final minute of regulation time.
The teams
Angels: Emmanuel Keiditswe, Fungai Muzila, Shanganani Ngada, Marcus Maokaneng, Thuso Monyama, Ronny Leagetse, Eric Ookame, Keletso Ogotseng (Tlotlo Kgaolo), Kudzani Sibanda, Onneile Sebapalo (Tebogo Ishamael, Bakang Mpatane ( Jacob Matlalo)
Nico: Moraka Tauyatswala, Kudakwashe Tsvamuno, Thabo Mosielele, Gothusang Osego, Botshelo Moseja, Lovemore Bogatsu (Botsile Kebaikanye) Kelvin Ndebele, Stephane Mothwalo, Tshepiso Matshuba, Nigel Mlauzi, Oratile Mhaladi (Comfort Diphuka)