25 Sep 2017

The Debswana First Division South top of table clash between leaders Notwane and Prisons XI failed to produce a winner after both sides played to a goalless draw at Sharps Shooting Stars grounds on September 23.

The result means Notwane remain at the top of the log with 10 points while Prisons XI were relegated to position three by Modipane United who are now second with eight points.

Prisons are also at eight points but Modipane climbed up to second position because of goal advantage.

The game started at a high speed with Notwane launching attacks from the first whistle, but failed to convert after Sithembile Mbuqe’s solo effort was wasted.

After Notwane’s wasted effort, Prisons XI tried to react but Mokuye Shakambayo was also unlucky as his attempt rebounded off the woodwork.

Both teams continued to launch attacks but lack of composure inside the box was their main undoing.

Notwane, who recently demolished Letlapeng 4-0, failed to handle their opponents despite creating numerous golden scoring opportunities.

That apparently did not sit well with their coach, Israel Molao, who in a post-match interview said he had anticipated that they would pocket three points.

Molao was also unhappy that they failed to convert the many chances that they created.

“But it is part of the game. We were playing a very tough game and they matched us with fitness even though we were a better side in technique,” he said.

Molao said despite the poor result, he was happy that his players put up a brave fight.

On the other hand, Prisons XI coach, Philemon Makhwengwe said they did not expect a stalemate against Notwane given that they had prepared well for the game.

“We have a lot of respect for Notwane and we knew they were going to play good football especially in attack.

But we had prepared our players so that Notwane don’t defuse them, but they did,” he said.

Makhwengwe said a goalless draw was a fair result given that the game was fiercely contested, and that it was evident that both sides wanted to win.

He said his team blundered and failed to utilise their scoring chances.

However, he said they would now focus on other games and prepare well for them.

In other games played on Saturday, Matebejane and Red Sparks played to a one-all draw.

Broadhurst United lost 0-1 to hosts Black Rangers, Mogoditshane Fighters walloped Mochudi Rovers 1-0, Letlapeng lost 4-1 to Modipane United while Black Peril and Lesirane played to a goalless draw. ENDS