Grieving teams return to action
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday November 9, 2018 11:55
Wanderers travel to Selebi-Phikwe to face Nico United at Nico ground while Flamingoes play Real Movers in Mmadinare. Flamingoes player, Murirwa was buried in Francistown on Saturday, while at the same time Wanderers’ Matoteng was laid to rest in Tumasera/Seleka.
The two players died in two separate road mishaps. Murirwa was with three of his teammates when he met his untimely death.
Alfred Mopiki has been released from the Intensive Care Unit at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital and he is recuperating in the general ward, while goalkeeper Ogopotse Tshule underwent a successful operation in Gaborone.
Nwako Ramokgadi, who escaped the accident with minor injuries, is back at training and is in contention for the weekend. Flamingoes head coach, Dominic Changwe said his players have come to terms with the loss of their teammate. He said they had gone through a series of counselling sessions, and are ready to play. Changwe said all the players were showing a lot of commitment, and have been working hard since the start of the week. He said the players were showing a strong will to win for their departed colleague.
Changwe, who will not be available on the sidelines due to work permit issues, believes his team despite missing five key players, is capable of getting the desired result. “We are not putting pressure on the players, they are recovering well. They have accepted that this is part of life and it has to go on. Football is their job and the players have found comfort and they are training harder. We are aiming for a positive season altogether for our (departed) brother,” he said.
Wanderers coach, Boyo Radipotsane said his troops have also recovered from the loss of Matoteng. He said the club had taken the players, the technical team and the club leadership through counselling.
“We did not train the whole of last week, but the players are showing positive signs. They are coping well with the situation,” Radipotsane said. “From their response in training, I think we are back to the right mentality and we are ready to start playing.”
In other games, GNT welcome Motlakase at Tagala Primary School while TAFIC host Palapye All Stars at Francistown Old Stadium.
Eleven Angels will also be home to Green Lovers at Pelotshwaana Primary School. In the only Sunday encounter, Francistown City Greens play Calendar Stars in a derby at the Francistown Sports Complex. All games kick-off at 3.30pm.