19 Apr 2016

Notwane’s hopes of sneaking into the premier league playoffs evaporated on Saturday after Uniao Flamingo Santos defeated them 1-0 in a Debswana First Division South League match in Gabane.

Santos scored the solitary goal through a close range finish by Boyo Lechaena in the 82nd  minute. Notwane remains on position four on the log standings with 32 points, seven points behind second placed Rolling Boys.

This scenario means that the fallen Gaborone giants, controversially relegated from the beMOBILE Premiership last season, will have to contend with another season out of top flight football.

Notwane displayed poor performance and made it easy for Santos to put pressure on them. Santos came close to scoring early in the match when a shot from Modise Sifo crashed against the upright.

After recess the two teams made substitutions in an effort to conjure a goal. But the match remained goalless until the dying minutes when Santos finally managed to break the ice. Bosa Mokgweetsi made a good run from the right flank and planted a low pass for Lechaena to hit the back of the net with eight minutes remaining.

Notwane coach, Kaelo ‘Wire’ Kaelo expressed disappointment at his team’s performance. He said they failed to control the midfield, which led to their defence crumbling under pressure.

He said his midfield was neither marking nor chasing the ball even when they were not in possession. Santos assistant coach, Kgosietsile Mampori stated that his team showed character.
“The players showed hunger in the field because they have been seating on the bench. Maybe they wanted to prove to us that we have been seating a better team on the bench,” he said.
Santos jumped to position five on the log standings with 30 points from 21 matches.

In other Debswana First Division South matches played over the weekend, former premier league campaigners Prisons XI were left in a precarious position after losing 2-0 against Mochudi Rovers on Saturday.

Prisons are two points from safety with one round of matches remaining.

Relegation threatened Lesirane City held promoted Black Forest to a 2-2 draw, while Letlapeng were held to a goalless draw by relegated Tsabong Black Rangers. Mogoditshane Fighters defeated relegation haunted Modipane United 1-0.  ENDS