17 Sep 2018

Following an abysmal start of three consecutive defeats on the trot, Black Forest finally bagged maximum points when they put two past Notwane in the BTC Premiership match played in Molepolole on September 16.

Coming into the encounter, both sides could not be evenly matched on paper given the recent string of losses of the Mankgodi based outfit, which has left many fans biting their nails. 

This has been Forest’s start since they joined the premier league two seasons ago.

On one hand, Notwane looked a tougher opponent that got off to a good start with four points in two games and were hoping to plunge Forest deep into the relegation mire. 

The encounter got off to an end to end action as both sides played a more open attacking football, but it was the visitors who had the first real opportunity at goal mouth when winger Tlhalefo Molebatsi sliced through Forest’s defenders to curl his shot wide causing less concern for goalkeeper Thabo Race.

Notwane were at it again on the 15th minute when Molebatsi on the right hand side delivered a telling cross but goal poacher Thabiso Boti’s header sailed wide.

Black Forest also had their fair share of opportunities as they nearly broke the deadlock but Gobona Ramotlhwa’s shot came off the upright of Michael Pepukani’s posts.

With only five minutes, to recess Forest were awarded a penalty after Ramotlhwa was brought down in the box by Bashin Modisaotsile who was in turn cautioned.

Former Nico United Striker, Godknows Mutina stepped up to the spot kick and made no mistake giving Forest an all crucial lead into the break.

A rather seemingly disappointed Keitumetse Paul made two straight changes into the second half, bringing in Modise Sifo upfront for Boti while Lesego Lubinda replaced Emmanuel Sekwena in the midfield.

On the 57th minute, Forest had a penalty after Ramotlhwa was allegedly brought down but the referee waived play on.

Paul cast the last throw of the dice when he introduced Moshe Tlhaolang for Topo Piet who looked off colour on the day. 

Notwane nearly brought matters into parity from a corner but second half substitute Sifo could not nick in the ball into the net following a defensive mayhem by Forest defenders.

Another opportunity was fashioned by the team captain Richard Legwaila whose snapshot came off the upright and off for a goal kick. 

On the 70th minute, the adventurous Mpoeleng Mpoeleng made a galloping run on the right hand side but his pin point cross was squandered by Tlhaolang with a diving header that caused no threat at goal. 

Forest also made changes introducing Thobo Gaboduelwe for Ramotlhwa, who had run his socks wet both in attack and defence.

Gaboduelwe made an outright impact as his cross deflected off the defender and forced a howler from Pepukani who misjudged the bounce of the ball setting up man of the match, Donald Botshoma to put the game beyond Notwane’s reach.

Speaking at fulltime, Paul was however less disappointed arguing that they looked the better side but only gave out cheap goals for the opponents to steal the game.

“I can’t complain we played well just that we gave away two silly goals that robbed us the game but I do feel the determination and hunger from my boys left a bit to be desired it just wasn’t up to scratch,” he said. 

The former Sharps gaffer was adamant that in the build up to the game, he warned his players against a very much hungrier Forest side that is chasing its first win hence the approach to tread cautiously but at the same time taking the game to the home side.

The winning coach, Bakanuki Maseko was happy with the first win arguing that this will surely give his players the much needed confidence going forward. ENDS