10 Aug 2014

Gaborone United, head coach Rahman Gumbo is still resolute that his team will come to the party as the league progresses despite losing against Notwane in the opening game of the league.

GU lost to Notwane 3-2, in a premier league encounter played at University of Botswana on August 9.

The absence of their number one goal keeper, Noah Maposa was visible, given that their newly signed goal keeper Phillip Nhete performed below par.

Gumbo said after the game that his team conceded two early soft goals in the opening of the game, adding that as the game progressed they resuscitated and came from behind and equalised.

He said when he thought the players will hold on; they made a defensive error, in the event giving Notwane the much needed winning goal. Notwane opened the score sheet on the sixth minute of the game through Kgomari Mothuba, after they were awarded a corner kick.

GU defence failed to come to the party, as they failed to contain Mothuba who looked very dangerous when moving forward. Notwane kept on fighting and moving forward searching for another goal, and on the 13th minute of the game, Emmanuel Machinya managed to score the second goal for 'Ma-Cat' to make it 2 nil.

Sensing trouble, Gumbo made an early substitution on the 27th minute by pulling out Tshifiwa Kgaswane and replaced him with Ronald Chikomo. 

The introduction of Chikomo created a lot of confusion in the Notwane defence and on the 28th minute of the game Tebogo Sembowa scored the first goal for Moyagoleele to make it 2-1.

The game went into a recess with Notwane leading 2-1, immediately after break, Gumbo introduced the new signee, Tendai Nyamadzawo and pulled out Thabiso Khunwane, however the substitution did not bear fruits given that Nyamadzawo squandered a lot of scoring opportunities.

However, Gaborone United never lost hope although they were trailing behind, they fought like wounded buffaloes and their hard work paid dividends on the 55th minute after Mandla Mgadla equalised to make it 2 all.

But, because Notwane were eager to pocket three valuable points, they kept creating chances and managed to score their winning goal and the last goal of the day on the 81st minute.

Notwane coach, Innocent Morapedi said they managed to prevail in the game through hard work and perseverance, adding that people should not read much into the game because they have a long way to go.

In other BPL games played on Saturday, Mochudi Centre Chiefs pocketed three points after beating Extension Gunners 2 nil at Lobatse.

In Molepolole, Letlapeng made their presence felt in the elite league by humiliating Orapa United 3 nil, still in Molepolole, in a game that was played in the evening, Ecco City Greens were beaten 4-1 by BDF X1.

In Selibe Phikwe, Football Club Satmos earned three valuable points by winning against BR Highlanders 2-1. 

On Friday, August 8, new comers Sankoyo Bush Bucks managed to solicit a 2-1 win against Motlakase Power Dynamos in Maun. ENDS