Boys move to topple Forest
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 5, 2016 14:05
Forest are on 25 points with Boys a point adrift. The leaders suffered their first defeat of the season when they were beaten 1-0 by Letlapeng while Boys beat Modipane United 1-0. The Mmankgodi side host Prisons XI tomorrow. It is a must win for the side if they want to increase their lead at the top. It will not be a walk in the park as The Warders brushed aside Black Rangers 4-1 in last Saturday’s match. Forest coach, Murphy Maseko said there is no need to press panic buttons yet. He said they still have a chance to run away with the title. “I had a chance to spy on Prisons in their weekend match and I picked their weaknesses and strengths. They are fast on wings and attack. Their anchor man is also good with long balls,” he said.
Maseko said he has a good defence as evidenced by the less number of goals they had conceded since the beginning of the season. He said the game is a must win because if they slip, it could spell disaster.
Prisons XI coach, Bushi Basitang said they intend to continue where they left off over the weekend. With 13 points and in position nine, the coach said they want to save themselves from relegation.
He said they started the league on the back foot, failing to convert chances. Basitang said they have found a winning formula and the players have gained confidence.
Meanwhile, Boys spokesperson Tshiamo Marekwa said it is their plan to challenge for the league title. He said the contest will continue until the end of the season. He said they intend to collect maximum points from Mogoditshane Fighters but they know their opponents are difficult to beat. “If we lose, Forest will increase the gap between us and we do not want that. We are aware that other teams like Uniao Flamengo Santos are also in competition. We want to continue working hard,” he said. Marekwa said new signings are expected to add value to the squad. Boys have recruited Steward Matlala, a midfielder from South Africa. The duo, of Kgaodi Odirile and Kago Mfila from Extension Gunners, has joined the side.
Marekwa said they have released Thabiso Ntwaane, Williams Mlonga and Tshepho Mokotedi. He added that they do not want a repeat of last season when they slipped at a crucial moment of the race. Failure to comply will see clubs expelled from local leagues and subsequently barred from taking part in CAF competitions.
Clubs face a furious race against time as the new initiatives kick-in at the beginning of next season.
Local clubs have a well documented history with poor finances and will need to shift gears to meet the stringent requirements.
As BFA begins an ardous journey towards transformation, local leaders will look back at an opportunity lost. Botswana could have enforced the Bosele Declaration the same way CAF has put its foot down on club licensing and local football could have made the long strides eight years back.