Gunners' elusive points hunt continues
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday November 27, 2021 06:00
The 30-year-old quit last season citing financial constraints. On his return, Mokoke has told Mmegi Sport that he is aware of the financial struggles at the club but believes he is now more understanding and will do his part on the field. “I have been here before.
I am more aware of the club’s struggles. Probably the situation is much worse than it was when I left but what pleases me is that the management has entrusted me to take the team out of the situation it is in now. I guess they wanted someone who knows the team’s state very well and they came to me. I am up for the task; as a young coach I am motivated by the critics and naysayers and I believe we will turn things around,” Mokoke said.
His side is currently second from the bottom on the log standings. The team is without a goal and a point after four games whilst they have conceded eight. On Sunday, Gunners will embark on their first point hunt at home against Morupule Wanderers. It promises to be an interesting tie as Wanderers’ coach, Daniel ‘Chico’ Nare returns to his home town, Lobatse on the opposition bench. Mokoke has said facing one of the Gunners’ icons will come as motivation to his side. He drew positives from a 1-0 defeat to BDF XI on his first game on return. “In our last game, the team showed great improvement, especially in the final third. We were able to keep possession and create upfront. Looking at the players, their mood is much better.
The season has just started and there is a sense of belief amongst us that we will turn things around. We will be playing against a team that we feel are a bit scared, as they do not know what to expect from us. Chico has coached Gunners for a long time and there is always an expectation that Gunners should not lose against him and that on its own gives players some motivation.
It could be a game that we turn things around with,” Mokoke said. Gunners is awaiting a late fitness test for a pair of key players, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile and Dirang Moloi who sustained knocks in the week. Wanderers will visit the Lobatse Sports Complex after two wins and two losses from their first four games. The team will be eyeing some consistency as they search for their third consecutive win.
In other games, Orapa United host Masitaoka this evening at 7pm at the Itekeng Stadium. From two consecutive defeats in the league, champions, Jwaneng Galaxy will take on Mahalapye Railway Highlanders at home on Saturday afternoon. Prisons XI and Sua Flamingoes will battle for the three points at Lobatse Sports Complex while Gilport Lions are going for a second win on the trot against BDF XI at the National Stadium before high riding Gaborone United and Notwane do battle in a late kick-off. Police XI and Township Rollers are in a pitched battle at Otse Stadium while on Sunday while Mogoditshane Fighters take on Security Systems at the National Stadium.