The Reds March On

By Tshepo Molwane
Staff Writer | Monday February 19, 2007 00:00

 

This was the Red's third consecutive win this year and they have moved two places to seventh spot with 23 points. Nico United have dropped to the 12th position and will have to pick points if they want to avoid the relegation cat-fight. After the Saturday game, GU coach Luke Masomere told Monitor Sport that he has been impressed by the commitment his players have shown recently. 'I think we're improving and the performance on the night reminded me of my former team in Zimbabwe. The good thing is that we can absorb pressure and it was proved when Joe (captain Joseph Phetogo) was out with injury,' said Masomere. He pointed out that after Nico United missed many chances in the opening half, GU decided to attack them in the second half and were rewarded with an 83rd minute goal from Gothata Samoenze. The left-footed player received a decisive pass from substitute Tshepo 'Schoolboy' Molefe and hit a low shot which gave Nico United goalkeeper Chrispen Nyamutamba no chance. Masomere defended his decision of starting Molefe on the bench saying the talented midfielder did not do well in the last games. 'You could see that when he came in, he wanted to fight for his position and it's good,' said GU coach.

The defeat was a big blow for Nico who put a gallant fight on the night led by inspirational captain, Eric Molebatsi and Jotham Marufu. Marufu was a menace to the GU rearguard and could have opened the scoring for Majombolo in the 14th minute but goalkeeper Boitumelo Kediseng did well to deny him. Molebatsi had two glorious chances in both halves but could not find the back of the net. Caretaker coach, Peter Muchina said that his boys played well but lost concentration and conceded a goal. 'We also missed chances but we'll recover,' he said. Molebatsi told Monitor Sport that they would try hard in the next games to get maximum points.