20 Jan 2015

Gaborone United, coach Rahman Gumbo says despite his team winning their first second round game against Notwane, there is more work to be done.

Gumbo said after his 2-1 win in a be Mobile league fixture played at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks on January 18, that with time, they would come to the party, attributing his squad’s shaky performance to the Christmas break.

“The boys need fine tuning here and there, remember this is the second round and this is where boys are separated from men, every team wants to win, it's a kill or get killed situation,” he said.

Gumbo said he had an arsenal of players, therefore during this transfer window, he was not going to sign any new players. According to him, they had recalled all their players from loan, therefore he would utilise the material he had.

During the game, GU made their intentions of winning the game clear, and on the first minute, Namibian international Benson Shilongo received a beautiful ball from Tebogo Sembowa  and did not put it to waste, openning the score board.

On the sixth minute, Shilongo made a brilliant run and set Mandla Mgadla free, but failed to apply more power. GU continued to move forward but lack of good decision in the box was their main enemy, hence they missed a lot of scoring opportunities. However on the 40th minute, Notwane was awarded a free kick and Oabile Makopo failed to make use of it.

Some seconds before the half time, Emmanuel Machinya released a thunderbolt but Thabiso Khunwane cleared what could have been an equaliser for Ma-Cat.

After recess, Notwane came back a better team, as they intensified their attack. On the 52nd minute, Notwane were awarded a free kick which was well taken by Makopo resulting in Kgomari Mothuba equalising.

GU tried to hit back on the 55th minute but Kgololo Kgogobi’s cross was saved by Notwane keeper Itumeleng Selapa who had a good game on the day.

However, on the 70th minute, Mandla Mgadla unleashed a good pass to Shilongo who was on a good position and he did not disappoint GU supporters who attended the game in large numbers, and made it 2-1, before he was rushed to the hospital after sustaining an injury.

After the game, Notwane coach Calvin Peterson said GU’s early goal cost his team dearly, adding his boys were a bit relaxed especially at the back.

He however, said they will continue to work hard at training to rectify some of the mistakes, he picked during the game. Peterson said during this transfer window, his desire was to beef up his squad on the striking, midfield and winger department. ENDS