Legendary sportswriter David Legge once wrote after a rather uninspiring PSL match between Wits University and Umtata Bucks that the game produced lots of perspiration which unfortunately failed to produce any inspiration.
The inimitable sportswriter went on to suggest that the fans who took the trouble to attend the match should have been compensated for being subjected to such a dreary game of football.
Derbies are usually explosive affairs. But this time the Polokwane encounter failed to sparkle and falls in that category described by Legge as having failed to produce any inspiration despite lots of perspiration. It is one of those matches even the players may not remember in the coming few months. Baroka FC emerged 2-1 victors in a game in which there wasn’t much to play for.
Both teams are currently stuck in mid-table of the Motsepe Foundation log standings. Baroka FC, who are based in the village of GaMphahlele are on 11th position at 33 points.
Magesi who use the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium as their base are on 12th position with the same number of points with an inferior goal difference.
The derby which produced a sending off for Baroka FC was a frustrating afternoon for both benches as players failed to get out of first gear. Even the fans in the grandstand failed to find their voice.
Perhaps the fact that there was little to play for going into this game contributed to the lack of motivation that resulted in a lack of spark in this game in which were spectators paying to watch, they would have been justified to demand a refund at the end of the match.
The play was rather scrappy, concentrated in the middle of the pitch with very few scoring chances and a lot of physical tackles and little creativity. Both benches remained frustrated throughout the match, perhaps wondering if their charges who have both played 28 matches were already in holiday mode.
Magesi looked promising in their approach, trying to keep possession against a well organised and disciplined Baroka team who seemed to draw on their previous experience in the PSL ranks to keep out their opponents. Baroka decided to kill off the game following their two early goals, frustrating their opponents to struggle to find their rhythm.
Both teams, though having produced a lacklustre performance in this encounter can go into next season confident of having built a solid foundation this season – but with the Motsepe Foundation being so competitive, it won’t be any easy. – news@mukurukuru.co.za
Be First to Comment