Sponsorship news: Greyton Roses gallant in defeat against masterful Matatiele

Sports News Blitz-sponsored team Greyton Roses went down 3-1 to SAFA Overberg Regional League leaders Matatiele at Uitkyk in their most recent outing.

Rodisang Ramtholo bagged a brace for the away team either side of a Francisco Kandiado equaliser, as Sam Mokenela secured the result with his second-half strike.

After picking up a maiden win the week before, it was always going to be a tough test against the team from Caledon that had convincingly won their opening four league games.

The Roses also had to do without suspended midfielder Thabiso Mangana after his two debatable yellow cards in the victory over Spain the week before.

In four previous meetings with Matatiele, the Roses' only victory came by default after the match was abandoned due to a lack of goalposts at the venue.

Following an even start this time around, it was the away side who took the lead after 26 minutes through Rodisang Ramtholo, as he made the most of an injury to Roses defender Siphosethu Peter to fire home from the left-hand side after an excellent cross-field ball.

Roses response

The Roses responded just seven minutes later, though, with a second goal in two games from stand-in captain Kandiado, who turned well on the edge of the box before firing past Matatiele stopper Thabane Thethane.

After a rousing half-time teamtalk from coach Jeff Oliver, the home team were unfortunate not to retake the lead just minutes after the restart when striker Fabian Steyn nicked the ball from Matatiele centre-back Jason Xcaba before blasting on target, but not past Thethane.

Kiaan Louw was also just wide with a 60th-minute free-kick, but Matatiele made no mistake with their next chance just four minutes later as Ramtholo headed home a chipped cross from the left from Edgar Nguma, for his second goal of the game.

And Sam Mokenela made sure of the result with his shot from the edge of the area on 73 minutes that squeezed past Roses goalkeeper Sandile Jantjies.

Disappointed with the outcome

Reflecting on the game, Oliver told sponsors Sports News Blitz that he could see positives from the team’s performance - but was disappointed with the outcome.

"We've been working on starting games quicker. We've conceded a lot of early goals and that means we are always playing catch-up.

"We conceded early on again, but at least we responded quickly. We had chances to take the lead and that was the only difference - Matatiele took their chances and we didn't.

"The team is improving with every game though. We are much more competitive and we hope to pick up at least six points from our next three games before the Christmas break."

Roses, in ninth place, are next in action away to 10th-placed Arsenal FC, also from Caledon, who have four losses from their opening four games this season.

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