Angels fly into title race
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday March 6, 2020 15:09
Leaders, Sua Flamingoes and second-placed Nico United appeared to be the only two title contenders, but Angels have since joined the race.
Flamingoes and Nico, tied on 34 points, met in a top of the table clash that ended in a stalemate.
Angels capitalised with 2-1 win against a stubborn Santa Green to move two points behind the leaders. At some point in the first round, Angels were nine points adrift.
Angels coach, Seemo Mpatane said they are relishing the chance of featuring in the top-flight next season and are prepared to seize their chances.
He said they would grab the opportunity if one of the leading horses slipped.
“We have no doubts in our abilities. We are ready to battle for maximum points in the last five matches. We will see what it gives us at the end,” he said. Angels have rediscovered last season’s mojo albeit late into the second round of the season. They were a team to watch in their debut season armed with young guns to carry the campaign.
They impressed, but unfortunately paid a hefty prize for their success as established sides plucked eight players from them in the off-season. Mpatane said they took time to rebuild at the beginning of the season and they have started to gel, though he understands the final lap could be cruel. They face mostly clubs that are fighting relegation but he affirmed the spirit was soaring in the camp ahead of a visit to bottom placed Tonota FC. Angels edged Tonota by a solitary goal in the reverse fixture and are weary of the rookies.
“We know nothing will be served on a silver platter. The boys are ready for anything that would be thrown at us. Our goal is maximum points,” an upbeat Mpatane said.
Log leaders, Flamingoes would be home to Francistown City Greens. They edged Mamoja 1-0 in the last league meeting. Mamoja endured a tougher first round that plunged them into the relegation muddle, but have been worming their way up since beginning of second round.
They remain in a precarious position and could prove a tougher customer for the leaders who have not been convincing in the second round.
In Francistown, Nico United could also be in for a surprise when they face obstinate Calendar Stars.
United beat Stars, who sit fourth, 3-1 in Selebi-Phikwe in the first round. Maun Terrors host Motlakase Power Dynamos in Maun. Green Lovers and Great North Tigers meet in a relegation battle in Serowe while Santa Green will be home to Sankoyo Bush Bucks in Mahalapye.