Radipotsane's Comets eager to keep top spot

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Thursday October 28, 2010 00:00

 

Comets jumped to the top spot following their win against Happy Hearts in Jwaneng last weekend.This has seen Masitaoka slip from pole position to third after they lost to Prsions XI in Molepolole while Killer Giants moved from the third spot to position two.

Despite the recent problems at Magakabe, which saw players accuse management of neglect, Radipotsane said he has been able to forge a good relationship with the squad.

'It is good that we are now on top because it motivates the players and even if there are some problems they would still want to keep on playing well perhaps to justify their complaints. I have been able to make them see that I am in this with them, I want them to stay focused. I have a good relationship with my players and when players understand their coach success is assured,' Radipotsane told Mmegi Sport.

'I believe we have the stamina to maintain our lead until the end of the first round. The kind of material that I have is not that good but they look determined. All the players understand that competition will be stiffer this season than ever and that they would need to work for each other,' he said.

Radipotsane noted that his team needs two midfielders and two strikers, saying that he was disappointed when both Bobo Motlhalane and Lapologang Motlogi left at the last minute.

  'I had wanted to build my team around those two. Bobo is a classy midfielder while Motlogi is a young talented midfielder who knows how to control the tempo of the match. I am still talking to Bobo and hopefully I will be able to get him when the window opens,' he said.

The former junior coach complained about the state of First Division grounds and called for the league committee to consider shifting where possible, some matches to Premier League venues such as the UB Stadium and Old Lobatse stadium.

The road seems to be getting tougher for new comers, Queens Happy Hearts who have replaced fellow debutants, Kanye Swallows at the bottom of the log. Happy Hearts lost to Comets last week while Swallows eased their relegation woes with a shock victory away to Letlapeng to move to position nine with four points. This, after they drew with Naughty Boys in their previous encounter.

Extension 27-based side, Young Strikers, who are used to struggling in the initial stages of the campaign before recovering, lie 11th. But they could find the situation completely different this season.