No need to press panic buttons yet - Coach

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday August 30, 2010 00:00

 

UF Santos (1) 1 (Ringo Rankgomo 28th)Uniao Flamengo Santos coach George Mogopodi has hinted that there is no need to press panic buttons despite his side's poor start to the 2010-2011 Be MOBILE Premier League season.  He said this after watching his side succumb to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of BDF XI at the SSKB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.  This was Santos' second defeat after being thrashed 4-0 by Mochudi Centre Chiefs the previous weekend.

'This is the beginning (of the season), we don't have to press panic buttons yet. Most of these players grew up under me and understand my philosophy and I hope that with time the results will come our way,' said Mogopodi.  He pointed out that silly mistakes in defence against BDF XI once again cost them maximum points.But he remains confident that by the time they play Miscellaneous in Molepolole on 9/11, they would have rectified their mistakes.

'It was not bad play at all compared to when we played Chiefs. The problem is that we lack mobility in midfield, hence we take time to attack our opponents,' he continued. Santos looked blunt in attack with Ringo Rankgomo failing to harass the BDF XI rearguard led by Mompati Thuma. But the coach is confident that by the time they host Miscellaneous, strikers Boitshoko Zikhale and Thapelo Sethebethe will have recuperated from injuries.

Mogopodi added that the absence of influential stars Thato Bolweleng and Mogakolodi Ngele is affecting the performance of some of the players. The duo have been slapped with suspension following their proposed move to Township Rollers.

BDF XI assistant coach Nelson Setshwane said though they have collected maximum points, they are still in the process of building a stronger team.

'I'm not worried about our display, it is the decision making during crucial moments which remains a great concern. We have a challenge, as the technical team, to put the team in shape. But I'm confident that after five games, you'll see a different team,' said Setshwane.

This is how the two teams lined up: BDF XI: Khalid Niyonzima, Thuma, Seboloko Khutsafalo, Gaopatwe Seosenyeng, Moreetsi Mosimanyana, Marumola, Kabo Rasuping, Tshireletso, Jone Kwape (Bantu John 76), Letlhomela Ramabele (Kabo Siane 58) and Molatedi Mabina (Patrick Motsepe 58). Coach: Losika Keatlholetswe

Santos: Chengerai Dube, Onkabetse Seforo, Letsweletse Seane, Thabo Marumo (Willie Mantu 45), Moeti Bontshetse, Mosimanegape Pelaelo, Joel Olerile, Jackie Mothatego (Bakang Moeng 66), Rankgomo, Godfrey Ngele and Faith Keletso (Russel Willo 70). Coach: George Mogopodi

Man of the Match: Moeti BontshetseCautions: Seforo 86Referee: Gaontebale MaleteAsst Referees: Oamogetse Godisamang and Gabokwalwe GabolekweFourth Official: Lekgotla Johannes