14 Feb 2019

Gaborone United (GU) head coach, Phillimon Makwengwe says the team’s recent good performances are an indication that they are finally on track.

After inconsistent performances last month, which made the ‘Moyagoleele’ supporters unhappy, GU has now won three consecutive matches, scoring a total of nine goals in the process.

They continued their momentum with a comfortable 3-1 BTC Premiership victory over struggling Prisons XI on Wednesday night at Lobatse Sports Complex.

GU dictated terms but the ‘Warders’ played direct football and created better scoring opportunities in the first half. Kitso Mpuisang failed to convert three chances, while Goitseone Phoko saves Tabona Ntlogelang’s close-range attempt.

However, ‘Moyagoleele’ took the lead early in the second half after impressive playmaker Dirang Moloi calmly slotted home a pass from Obonwe Maome in the 53rd minute.

Substitute Thatayaone ‘Messi’ Kgamanyane sealed a victory with a brace, first heading home a pinpoint cross from marauding left-back Gosegonna Molapisi in the 61st minute, and collecting a pass from Maome and driving past his marker to slot a composed finish past goalkeeper Bakang Methole in the 88th minute.

Prisons scored a consolation goal in stoppage time when striker Mpuisang slotted home a penalty at the third attempt.

Phoko saved the 21-year-old striker’s initial two attempts, but the assistant referee adjudged that the goalkeeper moved before the ball was kicked on both occasions.

The margin of victory could have been wider, but debutant Tshepo Malgas and midfielder Rentse ‘Gago’ Keakabetse were denied by the post, while striker Patrick Kabamba failed to score a sitter in the second half. The victory moved GU into position eight with 26 points from 20 matches, while Prisons have 18 points from 20 matches in position 13.

Makwengwe said after the match that GU was now on the right track but warned his players to stop missing easy chances.

“We have turned the corner now, the inconsistency was because we had brought in big name players and they did not gel quickly, so we were very inconsistent.

But now I think we are on track judging by the performance against Gunners, Orapa, Rollers and this one,” said Makwengwe.

“This team (Prisons) was sitting at the back, and we could not punish them in the first half. Second half we decided to go on them.

All in all I am happy with the three points, but not with our current position. We missed a lot of chances.

It is the problem we have at GU. We have to go back to the drawing board and learn composure (in front of the posts),” said the coach.

Prisons’ head coach Sepheko Motlhagodi, who saw his team succumb to a third defeat on the trot, said they played well even though they lost the match.

“Tactically it was a very good game.

We did very well in terms of defending well and being well organized and going forward.

We missed four chances in the first half, that’s where we lost the game,” said Motlhagodi.

Motlhagodi said the team’s overall performance had improved and he remained positive that they would retain their Premier League status at the end of the campaign. “There is a lot of change, we still have a chance.

I believe we will survive. We have played against Orapa, BDF XI, Jwaneng Galaxy, Centre Chiefs and GU, these are big teams.

I think in our upcoming games we will do well,” he said.

Meanwhile, the BTC Premiership week 20 continues tonight with a relegation scrap between the Black Forest and Mochudi Centre Chiefs at Molepolole Sports Complex at 7pm.

On Saturday, Orapa United welcome Township Rollers at Itekeng Stadium at 4pm in a top of the table clash.

Another tough encounter will be between second placed Jwaneng Galaxy and fourth-placed Police XI at Galaxy Stadium at 6:30pm. In other Saturday matches, Sharps Shooting Stars host Sankoyo Bush Bucks at Molepolole Sports Complex at 5pm, Security Systems welcome BR Highlanders at Lobatse Sports Complex at 4pm, while Miscellaneous entertain Extension Gunners at Serowe Sports Complex at 7pm. ENDS