07 Dec 2017

Debswana First Division South promotion contenders, Notwane FC has given new technical director Keitumetse ‘Pio’ Paul a target of guiding the club to the Premier League at the end of the current season.

Former Sharps Shooting Stars and Extension Gunners boss, Paul, was appointed the Notwane technical director on short term basis early this week as replacement for the sacked Israel Molao.

Announcing the appointment on Tuesday, Notwane public relations officer, Thomas Motsewakhumo stated that Paul’s duties are to promote the team to the Premier League and to set up youth development structures for the club. “Paul has signed a six months contract up to the end of the season with Sechaba,” Motsewakhumo explained through a statement.

Paul assumed the reins of the three-time top flight champions with the team having slipped to third place in the Debswana First Division South standings. They have collected 22 points from 11 matches, but have suffered a winless run in their last three matches.

They were held to one all draws by Mogoditshane Fighters and Black Peril before suffering a damaging 2-1 defeat to rookies Broadhurst United (BU) in their last match a fortnight ago.

The loss against BU saw Notwane lose their unbeaten run and surrender top spot on the log to Prisons XI, which has amassed 23 points while Fighters also leapfrogged them into second spot. This turn of events prompted the Sechaba management to swing the axe, closing the curtains on Molao’s tenure in charge of the team.

Notwane management expects Paul, who last season guided Sharps Shooting Stars to automatic promotion from the first division league, to repeat his Midas touch and bring the fallen Gaborone giants back to the elite league after three seasons in the second tier league.

Meanwhile, Notwane will take on BU on Saturday at Sharps Grounds as the league second round commences. In other Saturday matches, log leaders Prisons XI will visit struggling Letlapeng at Siga Grounds in Ramotswa, while Black Peril welcome Modipane United at Tlokweng VDC Grounds.

Mogoditshane Fighters will entertain Black Rangers at Fighters Grounds, Mochudi Rovers will lock horns with Red Sparks in Mochudi while Lesirane City will contest a derby match against Matebejana at Lesirane ground in Mogoditshane. Ends