Dambe finally makes PSL debut

Platinum Stars’ goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe made his long awaited South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) debut over the weekend. The Zebras stopper was given a rare starting place in his side’s 1-all draw against Chippa United at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg last Saturday.

 

The 22 year old has struggled to earn a place in Dikwena’s starting 11 this season and has been on the sidelines for 25 previous league games. Dambe made vital saves to prevent a shock defeat at the hands of the struggling PSL side. His performance showed that he will be a worthy replacement when called upon but he still faces a stern test to retain his place in the first team. Fellow goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane is the club’s undisputed first choice, and has played 25 consecutive league games before this past weekend. The Bafana Bafana hopeful has played a pivotal role in the club’s title challenge and his record of 11 clean sheets this season is only surpassed by that of Kaizer Chiefs’ Itumeleng Khune.

 

Dambe joined Dikwena on a one year loan deal in August last year. The contract includes an option to make the move a permanent one if Stars want to retain his services. Extending Dambe’s contract could be a good deal for Cavin Johnson’s side because their third choice goalkeeper, Kagiso Mlambo is an inexperienced goalkeeper when compared to the Zebras goalie who boasts international experience. The club’s decision to play Dambe ahead of Mlambo is an indication that they may be willing to interview Dambe.

 

Meanwhile, his teammate Mogakolodi Ngele has now broken Dipsy Selolwane’s record as the highest scoring Botswana international in a single PSL season. His nine goals so far have helped Stars to maintain their bid for the title. The forward has arguably been the club’s most outstanding player this season and has adapted to the competitive PSL playing environment with his free scoring being the highest tally by an attacking midfielder. He currently trails the league’s leading goal scorer Bernard Parker by three goals with four games remaining in the league.

 

Chiefs lead Stars by six points, but the picture could change when the two sides meet on Sunday. The top of the table clash will kick off at 3pm at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane. In the previous encounter Dikwena won 2-0 with Ngele scoring a goal to seal victory.The forward has arguably been the club’s most outstanding player this season and has adapted to the competitive PSL playing environment with his free scoring being the highest tally by an attacking midfielder.

 

He currently trails the league’s leading goal scorer Bernard Parker by three goals with four games remaining in the league. Chiefs lead Stars by six points, but the picture could change when the two sides meet on Sunday. The top of the table clash will kick off at 3pm at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane. In the previous encounter Dikwena won 2-0 with Ngele scoring a goal to seal victory.