Downs foiled by Baroka
TKO champions show grit in draw
Newly crowned Telkom Knockout champions Baroka were unable to continue their giant-slaying ways following their goalless draw in the league with Mamelodi Sundowns last night.
Fresh from their cup triumph against Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the Limpopo outfit had another PSL heavyweight in their cross-hairs. Baroka’s heroes from the TKO win were once again called upon to do the job. Their superb goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze had to make a number of saves to deny the Brazilians.
On the left wing, Talent Chawaphiwa, just as he did in the cup final, was a menace as he made right-back Thapelo Morena to run all night. Baroka attacker Tebogo Sodi caused problems for Hlompho Kekana with his constant movements and reading of the game. From the way they played in the opening half hour, it was like Baroka were out to prove true the words of their coach Wedson Nyirenda, who said they were not giant-killers but were in fact giants in their own right. Goodman Mosele had an intriguing battle in midfield with Andile Jali where the hungry prodigy wanted to once again show that he can go toe-to-toe with the best in South Africa.
With his hard-running and energetic style of play, Mosele found some openings in the Sundowns structure and on two occasions made the pass that found main striker Jemondre Dickens.
With veteran defender Wayne Arendse watching him closely, Dickens was unable to take a shot at goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene for most part of the game. Playmaker Gaston Sirino did not give his team the penetration they required from the midfield as he usually does. Striker Jeremy Brockie was isolated upfront and struggled to get his teammates involved in the play.