24 Sep 2018

Notwane’s outspoken coach, Keitumetse ‘Pio’ Paul showed signs of frustration on the sidelines as Notwane played to a 2-2 stalemate against Sharps Shooting Stars in Molepolole recently.

A second-half spirited showing was enough to salvage a point from a 2-goal deficit against Paul’s former side.

This was the second time this season Notwane came back from the jaws of defeat to rescue a point.

After a 2-0 defeat against Forest last weekend Notwane was looking forward to putting the defeat behind them as they faced a wounded Sharps Shooting Stars who were also keen to get to back to winning ways after their winning streak was cut short by Township Rollers.

Paul made wholesale changes to the team that faced the Black Forest. Michael Pepukani who has been the club’s first choice between the sticks was relegated to the stands while debutant Gaolatlhe Tshupegetso was thrown into the deep end.

Thato Seagatleng and one time Zebras Left back Katlego Koobake were given their opportunity in the backline.
Stalwart Amos Godirwang also made his return while Richard Legwaila was relegated to the bench. Upfront Topo Piet lost his place to the young Keith Leposo while marksman Moshe Tlhaolang got the nod ahead of Thabiso Boti.

Sharps got off to a great start from the first whistle as they broke the deadlock in the opening 2 minutes leaving Notwane stunned from the other end of the field.

Sharps dictated the terms coming out tops in the middle of the park. It was not long before Sharps doubled their tally on the 20th minute after a Lawrence Nduga dazzled through Notwane’s backline to tear a low cross that was belted by the oncoming Tshepo Malgas.

Instantly Paul made a double change as he brought in Lesego Lubinda for Keith Leposo while Legwaila was called on to replace Gaegopolwe. After the two substitutions, Notwane showed signs of clicking into gear as they chased the game. Lubinda almost pulled one back for Notwane but his half-volley flew wide, chances started coming thick and side for Notwane after Tlhaolang was set up by Godirwang but the attacker scuffled his shot into the turf. Sharps were able to hold on to the late onslaught heading to the halftime break with their 2 goal lead still intact.

Paul halftime pep was significant five minutes into the second half as Notwane pulled one back to make it 2-1 courtesy of Lubinda’s curled free kick that Raphael Nthwane could do nothing about. Lubinda fashioned a similar set-piece but this time around Nthwane was up to the task as he flicked the shot over the bar for a corner. Lubinda as the chief instigator in Notwane’s attack gave Sharps plenty to ponder in defence, his penalty shout was dismissed by the referee.

Realising that Notwane were all up in arms in search of parity with Legwaila now putting a real shift in the middle of the park, Rapelang Tsatsilbe also made two changes introducing Kaene Shabane and Letlhogonolo Chengela to try and hold off Notwane. On the 67th minute, Notwane’s Tlhalefo Molebatsi who was having a flyer of a game was brought down in the box and referee made no hesitations as he called it to the spot. Molebatsi stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to rescue a point for Notwane.

Giving the post-match interview Sharps coach Tsatsilebe played down any sense of disappointment despite his side giving away a 2 goal lead.

“I believe it was a good game for both teams, I must say I am impressed by the performance of my team considering that we have no big names among our squad only a bunch of players who are willing to work hard for the progress of this team,” he said.

Paul defined the encounter as the game of two halves explaining that his team was a bit lethargic in the first stanza but immediately after the changes the team started to play with a bit of urgency.

“Football has so many external factors Legwaila has been held by work commitments this week so I had to give another player an opportunity but you could see as soon He came on things started moving for us,” said Paul.

The former Extension Gunners coach was quick to explain the omission of Pepukani from the matchday squad stating that he wanted to give the young keeper a chance because of the work he has been putting in. Ends