23 Jul 2017

Botswana Premier League rookies, Sharps Shooting Stars are the Gaborone Mayor Cup champions, played at the National Stadium on July 22.

Shooting Stars beat Mochudi Centre Chiefs 2-0 in the finals to pocket P200 000, trophy and gold medals, courtesy of Moemedi Moatlhaping’s strike in the 33rd and 91st minute respectively.

It was evident that Shooting Stars were better prepared for the first edition of the Gaborone Mayor’s Cup as their road to the championship was smooth sailing.

That was after they edged veterans Extension Gunners with a convincing score margin of 3-0 courtesy of Langa Mabuli’s brace and Bakani Madaiza.

On the other hand, Mochudi Centre Chiefs had taught Tafic some football techniques by beating them 2-0 to be in the finals through goals scored by Tendai Nyamadzao and Thato Ogopotse.

During the finals, it was clear that Shooting Stars would not settle for less as they were attacking Chiefs from all angles, although their players squandered a lot of scoring opportunities.

Sharps Shooting Stars coach, Pio Paul said despite winning the cup, the tournament had showed him that there was still a lot of work to be done in order for the team to compete effectively in the elite league.

“I still need six players who have been playing in the elite league, I need two wing players, two left backs and centre forward. We still have to beef up the team, and there is still a lot of work to be done,” he said.

Centre Chiefs caretaker coach, Innocent Morapedi on the other side said he was happy that they used the tournament to give their new signees a pre-season training.

He said their mission was to reach the finals so that they continue assessing the players, adding that although they failed to lift the trophy, he was happy that despite not using their regular players, they managed to settle for silver.

“To be honest some of the players have impressed me. To play for Centre Chiefs, one has to have a big heart, character and ability to rise up to the challenge and this is what some players demonstrated today,” he said.

Chiefs won P100 000 and silver medals, whereas Tafic and Gunners went home with P500 000 each. ENDS