01 Sep 2015

Notwane head coach, Thatayaone Mothuba says his team is ready for the challenge of playing in the First Division. Mothuba has been given the task of returning the team to the elite league following its controversial relegation at the end of last season. However, he is adamant that they will achieve the task ahead.

 “We have been in pre-season for one and half months and the players are in good shape for the upcoming season,” Mothuba said.

Notwane will kick-off their campaign with an away match to Rolling Boys at the SSG Ground recently. It will be the first time ever that Sechaba will be playing in the First Division.

Mothuba said the team has been involved in a number of games in pre-season that have been useful in preparing for the season. The team played its last pre-season friendly against Mochudi Rovers over the weekend. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

He also said they have only lost three players in Lebogang Maswena, Amos Godirwang and Odirile Kgagodi, and that they have promoted some players from their youth development team. Meanwhile, Rovers coach, Thatayamodimo Tebogo said they have retained 85 per cent of the players who helped the team to gain promotion from the Kgatleng Region Division One last season.

“They did well to take the club to the play-offs and promotion to the First Division. They have proved that they are determined to represent the team well. We have also held trials and recruited other players within Kgatleng as there is abundance of talent here,” he said.

He said they managed to sign their former goalkeeper, Ontiretse Kolobe from Notwane and defender Donald Moilwe from Gilport Lions. He said he has been mandated to put the team in the top eight, but if any opportunities open they would relish challenging for promotion.

Rovers will host Black Forest on Saturday (September 5).

In other matches, Uniao Flamingo Santos hosts Modipane United in Gabane, Lesirane City welcomes Sharps in Lesirane and Letlapeng will lie in wait for Prisons XI in Ramotswa. Mogoditshane Fighters will welcome newly promoted Black Rangers in Mogoditshane. Ends