Da Gama: ‘’ we’re blessed to have players like Bevan ‘’

Highlands Park managed to snatch all three points at home to a struggling Baroka FC at Balfour Park Stadium. this past weekend in an Absa Premiership clash.

Both teams looked good on the attack but never forced any saves from either sides. As the match progressed, both teams looked to find an opener and saw Peter Shalulile’s effort go wide past the keeper’s net while a header from Ranga Chivaviro went over the bar. None of the teams could find an opener in the opening half and went into halftime goalless.

In the second half, the lions remained calm am let the visitors come at them as Baroka broke with pace on the counter attack. Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama made his second substitution of the match following his first in the opening half when he introduced Ryan Rae who made his appearance following a lengthy injury.

Da Gama introduced Rodney Ramagalela for Lindo Mbatha nineteen minutes from time. With just under fifteen minutes remaining on the clock, the hosts found the opener through Bevan Fransman who headed into the back of the net following a long throw from Rae to put the Lions ahead.

Baroka looked to find a leveller as they were awarded a free kick in added time but a goal-mouth scramble saw the effort cleared off the line as Highlands returned to winning ways and made a return to the top eight.

Coach Da Gama says hard work and belief from the players led to the win against Baroka following weeks of preparation marred by off form performances.

Da Gama says the match was a true reflection of the thorough preparation made prior to the game.

Da Gama has commended the attitude of scorer Bevan Fransman saying his attitude is exemplary to the entire team. ‘’Bevan’s attitude is so exemplary to the rest of the players, he’s a true professional and we’re blessed to have player’s like Bevan and Yeye and we’re really blessed to have those kind of players’’.

Starting XI: Heugh, Mokoena, Mbunjana, Fransman, Mzava, Mbatha, Ramoraka, Mogaila, Shalulile, Mvala, Motsepe.

Subs: Kapini, Mbhele, Rae, Banda, Jooste, Letsholonyane, Ramagalela.