Notwane enter Black Forest

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday October 23, 2015 12:06

Forest top the log with 12 points while Notwane are just two points behind as the former Premiership side has recovered after a stuttering start.

Forest climbed to the top of the log last weekend after dismissing Modipane United 4-0 last. Black Forest coach, Murphy Maseko is looking forward to winning his second match after joining the Mmankgodi-based side last weekend. Maseko was Forest coach when they gained promotion to the First Division two seasons ago.

He told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he parted ways with the team because of work commitments. He said playing against Notwane coach, Wire Kaelo is a motivation because he has to prove himself as a good coach. Maseko said he has coached in the First Division North League, which is the toughest between the two.

Maseko is the first coach to drive Chobe United into the First Division and he was an assistant coach when Great North Tigers (GNT) gained promotion to the Premiership. “The northern teams have pace and physique. That is the concept I intend to instil in my players. If they follow my instructions we won’t have a problem on Saturday,” said Maseko.

He said being new in the team, meant he has not had the opportunity to make major overhauls. Maseko said it is not the best time to make changes to a team when the league has started, but rather work on the existing squad.  He mentioned that he was aware that former Premier League teams enjoy possession more than attack.  He said his aim is to attack Notwane from the first whistle.

“The good thing about my players is that they attack and defend as a team.  Any department can produce a goal, especially from set pieces,” he said.  Notwane started the season on the back foot, but have come alive in the last few games after engaging respected tactician, Kaelo. A win on Saturday would catapult Notwane to the top of the log.

Kaelo admitted that it is a big game because everyone wants to be on top. He said the results would not necessarily decide the destiny of the title race.

“We are going into game (at) number seven and it will be naïve of people to start thinking that it is a league decider. The team that wins will only be motivated for the next match. We still have a long way to go. Despite that we are going out there to deliver,” he said.

Kaelo said Forest has an advantage because of the experience they have in the lower league and the quality of players they have.  If Forest wins it would stretch the margin at the top to five points.

However, Kaelo feels even if Notwane is to lose tomorrow, they still have enough time to overtake Forest.