05 Nov 2015

A tough battle is expected between Notwane and Letlapeng at the SSG Grounds in Gaborone on Sunday (November 8) .

The duo are chasing an immediate return to the beMOBILE Premiership after following relegation to the Debswana First Division south league last season.

After a shaky start, Notwane have found a winning momentum and were unbeaten in six matches since employing former Modipane United coach, Wire Kaelo. Sechaba have accumulated 12 points and trail log leaders Black Forest by four.

Kaelo said it was crucial for his team to beat Letlapeng to maintain their good run.

“It is important to keep the gap shorter at the top, and this means we have to win against Letlapeng. But it is going to be a tough match because they are also vying for promotion,” Kaelo explained in an interview on Wednesday.

He said his fifth placed side, which was held to a 2-2 draw by Prisons XI last weekend, should get back to winning ways.

However, Kaelo pointed that he was happy with the progress of the team since he took over. 

“The players have bought into my ideas.  I told them when I arrived that we must be more competitive and the response so far has been very good,” he said.

Letlapeng will, however, arrive at the SSG in buoyant mood following a 2-0 win over Modipane United last weekend. The Ramotswa team has moved into third position with 12 points.

Although Letlapeng coach, Enos Mmesi, said his players were motivated for the clash, he was pointed out that his team would go into the match as underdogs.

“We are going to be cautious because Notwane is a strong side. They have been doing very well since the arrival of Wire Kaelo.

He has brought a new dimension to them in terms of tactics. But I am confident that we will beat them,” Mmesi said. However, Mmesi said his team would not be under pressure to win the match because they were not chasing promotion.

“When I came in, I was given a mandate to sustain Letlapeng in the first division, so there is no pressure,” he said.

In other matches, bottom of the log Tsabong Black Rangers would welcome Black Forest on Saturday (November 9).

Uniao Flamingo Santos host Rolling Boys in Gabane, Modipane United face Mochudi Rovers in Modipane, while Sharps would welcome Prisons XI at Sharps Ground. Another match will see Mogoditshane Fighters hosting Lesirane at Fighters Grounds. All games kick-off at 3.30pm. Ends