Notwane�s fate hangs in the balance

Tumelo Mouwane | Monday May 18, 2015 14:15

Toronto lost 2-1 to Satmos at the SSKB Stadium, a result that threw a vital lifeline to the Selebi-Phikwe side.

The victory means that should Satmos’ appeal against Sankoyo Bush Bucks succeed and they get three points, Notwane who are currently safe from relegation will be forced to face the Cheetahs again to decide who drops to the First Division. Currently, the fallen giants are safe with 31 points, two ahead of Satmos. But, the success of the appeal will mean that Satmos will leapfrog Notwane in the standings.  

Because they will have benefited from a boardroom decision, Satmos will be required to play Notwane again to decide who drops to the lower division. After the 2-1 victory on Saturday, the Selebi-Phikwe side will definitely fancy its chances against Toronto. Toronto could have irrevocably avoided the chop on Saturday and condemned Satmos to First Division football if they had avoided defeat. But they were no match for their opponents who showed more hunger. The teams engaged in a tough contest in the first half with Sadiki Takunda proving outstanding for Satmos. The player proved a menace to Notwane constantly terrorising their defence. Toronto’s case was not helped by Edward Tlhowe who wasted a number of scoring chances and had to be pulled out for Zebron Nbjovu. Satmos took the lead in the 15th minute through a quick counter-attack that allowed Takunda to pounce. Ezekiel Morake in goal pulled a number of saves to thwart Notwane’s attempt to equalise. Satmos took full advantage to go 2-0 ahead in the 36th minute when Galisano Johane converted a free-kick. Notwane struggled to come to terms with their hardworking man, Emmanuel Masisi, who was well-guarded by the Satmos rearguard.

Toronto was a better team in the second half as it constructed attacks from a mixture of short and long passes, but Morake proved a hard-nut to crack in the Satmos goal, blocking attempts from Nbjovu and Lebogang Maswena. Notwane’s incessant pressure finally paid dividends in the 84th minute when Gaotwesepe Legoreng conceded an own goal. In the dying minutes, Mogakolodi Balatotse nearly made it 3-1 when his shot hit the crossbar. Kgomari Mothuba and Mosimanegape Ramohibidu were cautioned during the game.

Notwane 1 (Legoreng own goal 84th)

FC Satmos 2 (Takunda 15th, Johane 36th)

The line-ups

Notwane:

Itumeleng Selapa, Kereng Mpetang, Andrew Oabile Makopo, Kgomari Mothuba, Lewis Sekwainyana, Amos Godirwang, Langa Mabuli, Thato Mogorosi, Emmanuel Masisis, Lemogang Maswena, Edward Tlhowe.

Reserves:

Thabang Motlhabai, Keorapetse Seloiso, Gogontle Marumo, Sidney Moseki, Tlotlo Mpema, Odirile Kgaodi, Zebron Nbjovu.

FC Satmos

Ezekiel Morake, Gaotwesepe Legoreng, Mosimanegape Ramohibidu, Kediemetse Radikoko, Cedric Mosimanewakgosi, Thapelo Mosweu, Obakeng Gaonabeng, Nno Sebolaanoga, Sadiki Takunda, Galisano Johane, Mogakolodi Balatotse

Reserves:

Kagiso Tshelametsi, Lawrance Malope, Lefika Seloka, Kabelo Magashula, Ofentse Bolofete, Manabalala Tshepang and Kediemetse Matlhogojane.