Boitumelo Khutsafalo
31 March 2008
Zebras' winger, Nelson 'Viola' Gabolwelwe's form has left many people wondering whether he is back to his best again.
The winger put up a sterling performance for the national team against Zimbabwe in an international friendly in the midweek and they followed it up with another scintillating display for his club, BDF XI in a 1-1 draw with Uniao Flamengo Santos at the UB Stadium on Friday night.
Gabolwelwe has been the victim of public criticism with supporters calling for his retirement from the national team but Zebras coach, Colwyn Rowe's patience and belief in him seems to be paying dividends.
Against Zimbabwe, Gabolwelwe was one of the few outstanding players and though supporters called for his substitution in the first few minutes, he became the crowd favourite for the entire game. Against Santos, Gabolwelwe's pace, skill and agility was too much for the youthful Gabane side.
BDF XI coach, Stanley Tshosane said that there is one thing that people do not understand about the winger.
"Viola has been struggling with muscle pull for sometime and that is why he did not play some of the games at BDF XI. I think he has fully recovered now as you can judge by his performance," he said. Tshosane added that because he knew Gabolwelwe's problem, he spoke to him and asked him to keep his head up and forget about the public criticism.
"I told him that these people know what he has done and what he can do and even the national team coach has belief in him," he added.
Tshosane said that both BDF XI and Santos played a good game but unfortunately his side conceded a penalty in the dying minutes.
He said he intends to coach the club to a top four finish and victory on Friday would have improved his chances.
He praised his goalkeeper, Kayimba Kayimba and said with time he is bound to become a star.
BDF XI could have buried Santos in an avalanche of goals but they were wasteful. This was not helped by the fact that top marksman, Olivier Kayombo got injured and had to be replaced by System Mubi who in turn departed after 30 minutes because of injury.
He was replaced by former Township Rollers' striker, Edwin Kamwimba. Kayombo was a threat to Santos' defence before he got injured.
With his skill and fighting spirit, he gave Santos' defenders, Khumo Motlhabane and Pius Kolagano a torrid time.
Santos made good build ups from the defence to the midfield but their striking force did little to trouble BDF XI rearguard led by Zebras' duo, Ernest Amos and Mompati Thuma.
Vincent Phiri was however instrumental once again but his midfield partner, Jack Maphage was not his usual best and had to be replaced by Jackie Mothatego.
Santos were the first to get a real chance early in the first half when they were awarded a penalty after BDF XI defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.
Striker, Botlhe 'Ringo' Rankgomo's effort from the spot kick was saved by the BDF XI goalkeeper. Matabele went ahead early in the second half when Thatayaone Marumola headed home from Gabolwelwe's good cross.
Santos equalised in the dying minutes through a well-taken penalty by Mothatego. In the other game played at UB Stadium on Friday, Gaborone United (GU) beat Boteti Young Fighters 1-0 through a strike by substitute Obakeng Ganabeng.
Both teams have been fighting for third position on the log standings.
The victory means that GU are now third with 38 points - one behind second-placed Santos. Boteti are fourth with 37 points.
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