GNT Breaks The Jinx

By Thapelo Molebatsi
Correspondent | Monday May 19, 2008 00:00

 

Chances of GNT's promotion came at the last minute after facing a stiff competition from Miscellaneous and FC Satmos. The match started on a high note with both teams making their intentions known from the first whistle.

Motlakase were first to settle down, using mostly their right wing to launch attacks. Their right winger Maxwell Mburay had a good game, sending in excellent crosses but was let down by strikers who kept on wasting chances in front of goal. Five minutes from kick-off, GNT goalkeeper Phenyo Bojelo pulled off a sensational save from a well-taken header.

But in the ninth minute, Motlakase almost scored but the chances went begging as one of their strikers tried to slide in a low square pass but could not make any contact with the ball. Motlakase continued to release their sparks but could not penetrate the resolute GNT defence.

Midway through the first half, the Francistown outfit took control of the match and soon Zwangwu Majeramane received a neat pass from the midfield. He then calmly rounded off the goalkeeper before scoring his first goal of the season.

Majeremane revealed that he was making his second appearance for the team since joining the club off-season and had never played competitive football before. GNT came close to scoring in the 41st minute but the goal was ruled offside.

The second stanza, became a see-saw affair with both sides raiding each other's danger zone. Bojelo made another great save after a tricky looping ball deep from the midfield.

Mothusi Ntatane and Screamer Kgotle seemed bent on giving Motlakase a torrid time.

However, Motlakase were awarded a penalty after a goal-mouth melee during which a GNT defender handled the ball. Unfortunately striker Elijah Kabwe, who took the spot-kick, missed the target after sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

With news that Miscellaneous were held to a draw, GNT continued their hunt for a second goal to kill off the game while Motlakase tried to get the equaliser but to no avail.

In the end, GNT coach Seth Moleofhi breathed a sigh of relief after squandering a 10-point lead by registering three consecutive poor results. On why he lost the last crucial encounters, the tactician mentions fatigue and explains that he had only two strikers at his disposal but unfortunately lost form when it mattered the most.

The Tigers' mentor said he would have to beef up his squad with experienced players - at least one in each department. Like his coach, team captain David Tlhowe, who has played for the team for 12 years, concurs that they need to strengthen their squad but believes his team faltered in the last three matches due to inexperience as a team is made up of mostly the youth who could not handle the pressure of being at the top of the log.

The humble 23-year-old Majeramane promised to give Mascom Premier League defenders a good run for their money.