31 Oct 2019

There was an emotional celebration by Notwane players, technical team and supporters on Wednesday night when attacking midfielder Sithembiso Mbuqe converted a penalty in the 54th minute to give his team a 1-1 draw against BDF XI in Lobatse.

Mbuqe’s equaliser ended a series of six matches without scoring for Notwane since the current BTC Premiership campaign began two months ago.

Notwane hit the blanks against Police XI, Security Systems, Morupule Wanderers, Jwaneng Galaxy, BR Highlanders and Gaborone United.

They started poorly against BDF, allowing young striker Godfrey Tauyatswala to finish unmarked inside the penalty area receiving a pass from Abi Ramodiane in the third minute.

Matebele controlled the first half but were unable to add to their early goal. Their danger- men, Keeagile Kobe, Remmington Masuku and Koos Matlala were below par.

Mbuqe, who was playing as a makeshift striker, had two opportunities to level matters towards the end of the first half but young goalkeeper, Thabo Motswagole, denied him with brilliant saves.

However, Motswagole fouled the speedy Langa Mabuli inside the penalty area after the halftime break and Mbuqe stroked home the resultant penalty to break the duck for Notwane.

They then controlled the second half with Thabo Moganana and Boyo Lechaena while Mabuli also caused havoc with his speed on the wings.  However, Notwane were not clinical enough up front and the match ended all square.    

“We have finally scored a goal…BDF had the better of the first half and in the second half, we were better. We played a fantastic game in our previous match against GU but didn’t score. So the challenge was to continue playing well and finally, we have opened the doors… If we can maintain this performance the goals will come. We are getting there,” Notwane coach Oupa Kowa said after the match.

Notwane has lost five and drawn two matches. They are bottom of the log with negative four points. They were docked six points before the season started for failing to comply with club licensing regulations.

Their next match is on Saturday afternoon against defending champions Township Rollers at the National Stadium.

Kowa said they would push for a positive result against the defending champions. Rollers crushed Prisons XI 5-0 on Wednesday and are second on the log. “It is a tough one but we have to go and push for a win. If we don’t win we will have to settle for something. We are getting there,” he said.

In other Saturday fixtures, Tafic will welcome BR Highlanders at Obed Chilume Stadium, Gilport Lions meet Jwaneng Galaxy at Galaxy Stadium, BDF XI host Extension Gunners at Molepolole Sports Complex, while Orapa United visit Miscellaneous at Serowe Sports Complex.

On Sunday, log leaders Security Systems welcome Police XI at Lobatse Sports Complex, Gaborone United host Prisons XI at Molepolole Sports Complex and Morupule Wanderers take on Molepolole City Stars at Serowe Sports Complex. The matches will start at 3:30 pm. ENDS