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Botswana: GU Confident of Second Spot
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Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
14 April 2008
Posted to the web 15 April 2008
Mogomotsi Moloi
Gaborone
Gaborone United (GU) coach Mike Sithole strongly believes that his charges have what it takes to end the Mascom Premier League season as runners-up to champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
He expressed his conviction after watching his side draw 2-2 with fellow Gaborone giants Notwane at the National Stadium on Friday night. "These are my boys and I believe in them. I know they can do it and I am hopeful that we will maintain our position," he said. He said the team consists of young boys who respond well to his instructions and guidance. Sithole told Monitor Sport that he does not have big names in the team and this reduces pressure. "I got the squad for the future," said the Zambian. He hailed his charges for a good fighting spirit that saw them scoring two quick goals immediately after recess. Notwane went to the break leading 1-0. However, Sithole lamented that loss of concentration by his defence cost them maximum points.
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My boys are good and we only need to work hard on finishing upfront," said the coach. The once-dreaded Gaborone giants have struggled in recent years, marring their record with a hugely embarrassing relegation and a humiliatingly lengthy stint in First Division football. But currently GU are second in the league with 42 points from 24 games and must ward off challenges from lightweights Flamengo Santos and Boteti Young Fighters; and former champions BDF XI to secure the position.
Meanwhile, against Notwane, GU were in early trouble but their opponents failed to score after brilliant moves. With the evergreen Zebras' midfielder Dirang Moloi orchestrating attacks, Notwane could have easily snatched victory. Toronto wasted clear-cut chances with Keoagetse 'Barnes' Radipotsane, the main culprit.
After missing a penalty early in the game, he continued to waste numerous golden opportunities with miss-kicks or failure to beat GU goalkeeper Kgosietsile Senjoba. Although Sithole praised his side, GU were not good and could not construct passes from the midfield. Notwane's Langson Sichola broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after beating an offside trap. GU came back a changed lot after recess and substituted Tshepo Molefe and Molatedi Mabina for Ntesang 'Mirror' Simanyane and Kenny 'Shoes' Ledikwe. Just after the substitutions, Zimbabwean Ronald Chikomo and his compatriot Itayi Gwandu scored a goal each to give the Reds a 2-1 lead.
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But in the 73rd minute, Sichola completed his brace with a spectacular shot after receiving a cross from the left. Both teams tried to get a winner but the goalkeepers worked extra-hard to make sure the match ended 2-2.
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| Copyright © 2008 Mmegi/The Reporter. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections -- or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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