28 May 2013

Green Lovers of Serowe came from behind to beat Great North Tigers 2-1 in the First Division North encounter played at the Francistown stadium on May 26.

The Serowe side honoured the fixtures with only one reserve player on the bench accompanied by coach, Othusitse Kootswele.

The third placed side trailed behind for most of the game despite enjoying equal ball possession with their host.

GNT took the lead a few minutes from half-time when Aobakwe Mopati beat Green Lovers keeper, Wagarre Dikago and managed to hold onto the led until they conceded a penalty against the run of play. Green Lovers attacking midfielder, Rentse Keakabetse took the spot kick and levelled matters.

The goal revived the morale of the youngsters who pushed forward to get their winning goal, and with the instructions from their coach on the sideline they managed to up their game.

A few minutes from stoppage time, Mpho Ramaroana scored the winning goal to seal their third position on the log with 31 points, 10 behind runners-up FC Satmos.

Kootswele said he came with a limping team because two of his players had family commitments while the team captain was serving a suspension after receiving marching orders against Kazungula Young Fighters. He said they started well but fumbled along the way.

However, he noted that the win meant that they were almost assured of a third-place finish which for newcomers in the league is a good performance.

He said they are planning to reinforce the squad next season in order to finish at the top of the league.

However, he said his number one goalkeeper is being pursued by Orapa United while the second choice keeper has school commitments. GNT manager, Thebeitsile Motswaeng was of the view that his team lost at the hands of match officials, saying the penalty against his team was too harsh because the foul did not deserve such a sanction.

Motswaeng, nonetheless, said despite the loss they would not relegate.

GNT is on 20 points with four games to go. ENDS