Bright Start For Notwane
Boikobo Kanego | Monday September 4, 2017 16:07
Following a delay in the start of the BTC Premiership, the game attracted a large crowd and both sides fought well despite being their first game this season. Notwane, who recently roped in former Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tebogo Sebego to head their executive committee, looked determined to return to top flight football after two years of absence.
They have since reunited with their former player, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng who played a critical role at the heart of the defence on Saturday. Mpoeleng was amongst several players who left Notwane to join Mochudi Centre Chiefs years ago.
He then joined FC Satmos before crossing over to Nico United. After their relegation, Mpoeleng was linked with a return to Chiefs but has since reunited with Notwane as they seek to bounce back to the Premier League.
However, the victory did not come easily as Lesirane gave a spirited fight only to be let down by their finishing.
Mbuque’s goal came in the 26th minute, sending Notwane supporters who came in large numbers into wild celebrations. Both sides however, had equal chances in the game. The goal separated the two sides at half time.
In the second half, Lesirane relying on the experience of Abednico Powell in the midfield continued to fight in search of an equaliser.
They were nearly rewarded when Thabiso Keaekitse took a strike and beat Notwane goalkeeper, Michael Pepukani but the ball found Mpoeleng in a good position, who cleared off the line. The ball failed to get out of the danger zone and Lesirane pressed again, forcing Notwane to commit a foul just on the edge of the box.
However, the resultant free kick was then cleared, giving Notwane supporters a sigh of relief. Moments later, Notwane also had a chance to increase the lead when Tlhalefo Molebatsi dribbled past the Lesirane defence and found himself one- on-one with the goalkeeper but his finishing let him down as he shot straight at the goalkeeper. Notwane, however managed to hold onto the lead and registered a victory in their first game this season.
Speaking to Sport Monitor after the game, Notwane coach, Israel Molao said he was happy with his charges’ performances despite missing several chances. He said he will be happy if his side can continue to collect maximum points in the next games. Lesirane coach, Thoba Mothuba was also pleased with his players’ performances despite the loss. “We missed chances and they used their chance which made the difference today,” he said.
The line-ups:
Notwane: Michael Pepukani, Kereng Mpetlang, Maatla Segokgo, Brian Botsang, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Farlkirk Shabane, Sthembile Mbuque, Thato Mogorosi, Tlhalefo Molebatsi, Tsogang Israel, Thabiso Boti
Lesirane: Boitshwarelo Nzibizi, Otsile Malope, Simon Lokwalo, Ronaldo Enosa, Thabang Mmusi (Keabetswe Selaka), Abednico Powell, Thabang Thotsapele (Mmoloki Medupe), Thuto Ntsie, Rapelang Gabanakgosi, Ephraim Amon, Thabiso Keaekitse
Cautions: Israel, Gabanakgosi