Gunners on the verge of top four finish
Tumelo Mouwane | Wednesday May 17, 2017 08:43
Systems were all over Mapantsula stretching them from one end to the other. In the sixth minute, Thulani Gumede scored the opener for the Alarm Boys following a melee in the box. Both teams failed to utilise the numerous chances they created until the break. Gunners returned a determined side after the break, keeping possession and making incisive penetration.
Their equaliser came in the 65th minute through unlikely source, Finkie Mothibi who took responsibility and drove into the Systems’ box. In the dying minutes of the game, Otlaantshekela Mooketsi scored a brilliant free kick from 25 metres out.
The win means caretaker coach, Itumeleng Duiker is still unbeaten since he took over from former head coach Daniel Nare.
Gunners, usually in the lower positions at this time of the league, have this season managed to maintain their consistency. As things stand, they are almost certain of a top four finish.
They are in position four with 45 points from 28 games. If they win their remaining two matches, they will finish with 51 points while Gaborone United, who are currently fifth on the log, will finish on 46 points provided they win both of their games.
In a post match interview, Duiker said the results are due to hard work. “Like I always say, hard work pays. Sometimes continuous winning is bad for the players because they may feel they are on top of the world.
Apart from that, we had a very good season and we are hopeful that we will play our last games with consistency and avoid dropping points. We will always work hard day by day and God will help us,” Duiker said.
Security Systems coach, Thaloba Nthaga said he felt match officiating could have been better on the day. “I do not think the free kick which Gunners were awarded was actually a free kick, but anyway congratulations to Gunners. We will go back to the drawing board,” Nthaga said.
Man of the match and Gunners veteran, Finkie Mothibi said they will work hard to improve. “Our team has improved and we are going to work hard to finish in position four. We cannot afford to lose points or settle for a draw anymore. We have to win,” he said.