23 Sep 2018

BR Highlanders caretaker coach Kabo Dintwa says his team is moving in the right direction though they are still winless after five matches in the BTC Premiership.  

The Mahalapye side held a disjointed Gaborone United to a 1-1 draw in a drab encounter played at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The result earned Stimela their second point of the campaign and moved them to position 14 on the log standings.

GU dominated possession in the first half and Dirang Moloi buried home a loose ball in the 35th minute after Highlanders goalkeeper Lapologang Molatlhegi could only spill a shot from Karabo Setoutwe into his path.

However, Stimela levelled matters three minutes later through captain Boikobo Osupile who headed in Thato Gabatlhokwe’s corner kick after sloppy GU defending.

Highlanders grew in confidence afterwards and they matched GU pound for pound in the second half with nippy striker Otlaarongwa Nthumolang causing plenty of problems to the Moyagoleele defence.

The newly-promoted side nearly grabbed the lead through Mopati Oabile who hit the post with a looping effort after good combination play from Highlanders midfielders. Nthumolang then wasted a good opportunity by passing instead of shooting while left unmarked inside the box.

GU goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko then produced a smart save to deny the troublesome Nthumolang late in the match which was played before a poor crowd despite Premier League attempts to lure more spectators to the game by staging a doubleheader which also included a match between Township Rollers and Sankoyo Bush Bucks later on.

The introduction of the experienced Mandla Mgadla for youngster Kutlo Molelowamodimo and Jackie Mothatego for the ineffective Boipelo Oaitse failed to rescue victory for Moyagoleele, though Mgadla’s goal was disallowed for offside in stoppage time.

Dintwa said he was happy with the mental strength from his players since they didn’t give up after falling behind. He further said the team was showing signs of growth with each passing match.

“From our first game, we have been playing well, only that we were losing games because of scoring problems. But the way the boys are responding, they are growing with each and every game. Look at how they played against a big team like GU,” he said.  

He said missing chances was part of their learning process since most of his players are from the first division. Ends