Hotspurs, No Mathata search for first points

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Friday September 9, 2011 00:00

No Mathata suffered a shock defeat to new comers, Peace Makers in Bobonong while Hotspurs felt the wrath of former Premier League side, Motlakase Power Dynamos.Hotspurs hold the psychological edge for their visit to Selebi-Phikwe tomorrow. The Mahalapye side won last season's reverse encounter and will be out to claim three points.  However, Hotspurs know that No Mathata is a difficult opponent at home, having been humbled during their last visit. There will be bitter memories for both sides as last season's encounter in Selebi-Phikwe was a fractious affair which saw blows being exchanged.

No Mathata spokesperson, Mpho Tsumake said the side is ready for Hotspurs and preparations for the game have been going well. He pointed out that they had a good game against Peace Makers but were unfortunate not to convert numerous chances.

'Our game against Hotspurs will show if we are ready to compete in the league or not. Our supporters must expect wonders,' he said.

Tsumake said the club might be playing without recognised names but their intention is to continue making waves in the league, the same way it performed last season.  He said despite Hotspurs' reputation, No Mathata will not be cowed.

Hotspurs spokesperson, Dindi Ranthoka said they would use the No Mathata match to send a message to the rest of the teams in the league. He said with the team missing promotion to the Premier League by a whisker last season, they do not want to repeat the same mistakes. Ranthoka said his team played well last weekend, only falling to a solitary penalty strike.

'We lost some players to other teams at the end of last season. We have signed a defender from Great North Tigers (GNT), Oreeditse Modise who used to play for Notwane and three other youngsters from our development side to bolster our squad,' said Ranthoka.

He revealed that Hotspurs has been negotiating with a new coach who might be sitting on their bench tomorrow. In other First Division North games to be played tomorrow, Orapa XI host Peace Makers in Orapa, TASC travel to Maun to face Maun Tigers, debutants Sankoyo  have a tough date against favourites Motlakase in Maun and SowaFlamingoes take on Two-Two-Five in Sowa. In another game, Tonota FC welcome B.R. Highlanders in their own backyard in Tonota.