08 May 2017

Sankoyo Bush Bucks had an opportunity to pull the much needed three points from their encounter with Green Lovers Football Club on Saturday afternoon at Maun Sports Complex.

Sankoyo beat their rivals 3-0 in a tough game and managed to increase their lead further as both teams were amongst the bottom teams which were on the brink of relegation. But Sankoyo’s previous win against Mochudi Centre Chief raised the players’ hope.

From the start, both teams put a brave fight throughout the entire game to maintain their run in the premier league, but it was not a good day for the visiting team despite their good play.

It seemed like coach Drago Stanlojovic’s boys came to the ground with determination as they displayed brilliant moves and play in all departments and the boys communicated well.

It was in the 10^th minute when Onkagetse Majwaine gave his team the lead but the goal did not dampen the morale of Green Lovers players as they fought hard to catch up.

Ngurungu maintained the lead until half time. However, the second half was scintillating to watch as both teams showed their intentions to win. Although Green Lovers had an upper hand as they showed renewed vigour to put up a spirited fight, their advances on the Ngurungu goal post did not yield any results as the goalkeeper, Kabelo Kuti parried all the shots directed at him.

However, Ngurungu should be thankful to the exploits of second half substitutes, Botshelo ‘Manje’ Mafoko and Tapiwa Sepatela as they ensured that their team took home the maximum points. 

The duo’s combination worked wonders as Mafoko made a brace in the 75^th and 89^th minute through Sepatela’s brilliant passes which were spot on. On the other hand, Green Lovers also made changes that transformed its play as they created more chances but failed to get goals.

In an interview, the winning coach, Stalijvoic could not hide his joy and thanked his boys for a wonderful performance. He said although the game was tough, the boys played to their ability to collect three points.

“This was an important game for us and my boys were under pressure to win because we want to stay in the premier league,” he added. 

He said the boys made good progress and hoped they continue to improve their performances in the remaining four encounters. Currently, Ngurungu is sitting in position 12 with 29 points while Green Lovers is in position 15 in log standing.

Despite their loss, Green Lovers head coach, Onthusitse Kootswele gave credit to his boys, adding that although they failed to apply themselves in the first half.

He said they dominated but they were unfortunate not to utilise the created chances and score. He admitted that the future for his team was looking bleak as they were in the relegation position. Kootswele said even if they could be relegated, they were not ashamed because sponsorless teams are the ones relegated. 

“I told my players not to put themselves under pressure, but to play their normal game as chances of surviving relegation were very slim,” he added. ends