Lack of experience teaches Kakamas Juventus a tough play-off lesson as Thames edge opener

KAKAMAS Juventus may have fallen short in their opening match of the ABC Motsepe League National Play-offs, but their determination and the province’s backing remain firm as they look to bounce back in their next fixture.

The Northern Cape champions suffered a 2-1 defeat to Thames FC from the North West on Tuesday afternoon at the Giant Stadium in Soshanguve. It was a match defined by small margins – and one where Thames’s cohesion and experience proved the difference.

Despite a valiant effort, Kakamas Juventus struggled to find fluency, appearing disjointed in attack and defence. Their inability to maintain shape gave Thames the upper hand, especially as the North West side used their width to good effect and created space through clever off-the-ball movement – particularly by their false 9, whose blind runs repeatedly disrupted Juventus’s backline.

With many Thames players having played together at La Masia FC in both the ABC Motsepe League and the Motsepe Foundation Championship, their chemistry was evident. They opted for a direct, efficient style of play, moving the ball quickly and capitalising on Kakamas’s struggle to connect passes and retain possession.

Thames struck early and took a 1-0 lead into half-time. Kakamas responded with a triple substitution at the break – bringing on Thapelo Tshilo, Simo Bophela, and Ricardo Aron for Kamohelo Pooe, Amajle Baytie, and Leighton Majiedt – in an attempt to inject energy and structure. 

Earlier, Siphiwe Mnguni had to be replaced due to a suspected serious injury, with Damian Smith coming on.

While Kakamas did manage to pull a goal back in the second half, Thames restored their advantage and held firm to claim the win. They also had to make an enforced change when Thabiso Nkoane replaced the injured Curtley Napier.

In a tournament opener noted for its high standard of officiating, Kakamas Juventus gave a spirited performance, even if cohesion and execution – maybe due to lack of experience – let them down.

However, they will still be buoyed because their play-off journey began with a powerful message of support from Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika, who met the team ahead of the competition to deliver words of encouragement.

“Your journey is a story of discipline, passion and perseverance – a true reflection of the fighting spirit of our province,” said Matika. “Go out there with pride, unity, and confidence – knowing that an entire province stands firmly behind you.”

After this stumble, Kakamas Juventus will now regroup, recalibrate, and go again – aware of their skill, pedigree and passion, and with their eyes still firmly set on promotion to the National First Division.