Notwane go North

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday August 3, 2007 00:00

 

Both teams have not been making headlines since the cup kicked off this year but have secured impressive victories.

The two teams met in the semi-final of the same competition last year where Toronto triumphed. They went on to win the prestigious cup against BDF XI. Speaking in an interview yesterday, Notwane spokesperson, Podi 'Ace' Mooki told Mmegi Sport that they have prepared well for the clash. He said that the preparations are satisfactory adding that they will treat their opponents with respect because they (TASC) are a good side. 'It will be a tough game and though we knocked them out last year in the semi finals, they might even be much tougher since they will be playing at home,' he said. He attributed the team's sterling performance to the arrival of Zimbabwean tactician, Paul Moyo. He added that Moyo has instilled discipline and balance in the team.

Notwane, however might be dealt a heavy blow especially at the front with Mooki revealing that speedy striker, Jones Kwape has left the country to try his luck in Albania. Mooki told Mmegi Sport that though it is not clear whether he was going to attend trials first, he could confirm that Kwape has left the country. He is said to have left together with Zebras' midfielder, Dirang Moloi. But top marksman Tshepiso Molwantwa is expected to wear his goal-scoring boots in Francistown. He might form a deadly combination with Langsen Sichola. Defender Blessing Moyo will miss out because of suspension after being red-carded against Mochudi Buffaloes in the last 16 encounter. 

TASC coach Mothusi Seditse said that they have prepared well for the game. He said that they expect the game to be tough adding that they are ready for the encounter. He said that though home advantage may play a major role in the clash, he said that it depends on whether they have prepared well. He also told Mmegi Sport that it was difficult playing against smaller teams in their last encounters. 'It was easier for them to plan against us since they know our players very well but for us, it was difficult since we did not know their players well. Against Notwane it will be much better to plan against them because we play them at least twice every season,' he said. TASC will however miss the services of defenders Ramokgathi Ramokgathi and Kebonye Balepi, who are serving suspensions. Though TASC have not signed anyone since the start of the transfer window, Seditse believes that they have very good players capable of taking the side to greater heights. He said that the reason for the poor form, which saw the Francistown giants fighting to dodge the dreaded axe last season, was not lack of quality players but internal problems.  Midfielder Tebogo Mothusi is expected to play a pivotal role against Notwane. His creativity has always enabled TASC to score the needed goals.
The game kicks off at 2pm.