Fallen giants Gunners, Notwane clash
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday November 17, 2023 12:54
At the start of the season, many predicted a close contest down south, especially after the relegation of Gunners, Prisons XI, and Mogoditshane Fighters and after five rounds of matches, it has panned out exactly that way. At some point, Gunners were sitting at the summit before Young Stars took over.
Today, the Peleng giants are number seven on the log standings after two straight defeats with seven points, five behind log leaders, Young Stars. Notwane on the other hand went into last weekend sitting at position two, just one point behind Young Stars. Today they are at position five with eight points. Both sides go into tomorrow’s encounter still leaking wounds from the past weekend’s losses. Notwane suffered a 2-1 defeat to Young Stars at home while Gunners lost 1-0 to Tlokweng United.
Although it is still too early to make firm predictions, both sides’ supporters are already pressing the panic buttons, especially seeing log leaders, Young Stars are not showing any signs of slowing down. Already there are reports that Gunners are set to bolster their technical team with veteran tactician, Stanley Mwaanga who is linked with the assistant coach's role. Gunners were scheduled to play their second match at their newly revamped home ground in Lobatse but the game was switched to the National Stadium. Their long-awaited return to their former slaughterhouse did not turn out well as they lost 3-1 to City Polar two weeks back. On paper, Mapantsula look balanced with Thato Bolweleng’s experience at the back very key while captain, Ofentse Nato leads from the middle. Upfront, Pako Modikwa has shown that he still has an eye for goals. Notwane on the other hand cannot afford to lose another match or else they might find themselves in the bottom half of the league table by Sunday evening.
Against Young Stars, Toronto struggled to dictate terms, especially in the first half where they lost most of the balls and gave away a silly goal. Even head coach, Omphemetse 'Fowler' Setswe admitted they started the game on the back foot. “We allowed them to win all the duels. They were full of running and had a lot of energy. Our first half was scrappy. Yes, we have to accept the loss and move forward," he said after Young Stars’ defeat. Before the past weekend’s loss, Notwane had only conceded two goals with the leadership of captain, Kudzanai Machedzani. However, they have not been prolific in front of goals compared to the rest of the top eight sides. They have found the back of the net only five times, an average of one goal per match.
The ever-reliable South African attacker, Sthembiso Mbuqe has not yet hit the form he is known for. In Jwaneng, Young Stars host Black Forest in a top-of-the-table clash.
Three points separate the two sides at the top. Forest occupy the second spot after thrashing Desert Nxau last weekend. They have so far lost two matches but have a healthy goal difference. They have the second-best defensive record in the league. However, they face a high-scoring youthful side led by proven goal-poacher, Serati Semadi who has so far found the back of the net six times in five games. On Sunday, Tlokweng United who have carried on from their giant killing spree of last season, travel to Mochudi to face Centre Chiefs.
Magosi are currently in an unfamiliar position, placed fourth from the bottom after struggling early on in the season. Despite holding the best defensive record at the moment (two goals conceded), upfront they have struggled to convert with only three goals scored in five games. In another interesting match scheduled for Sunday, Prisons XI host City Polar at the SSG ground. All games kick off at 4pm.