Tshepo Molwane
18 April 2008
Gaborone — Extension Gunners take their scoring form to the National Stadium tonight when they entertain Uniao Flamengo Santos in a Mascom Premier League tie. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
After humiliating TASC 6-0 at the UB Stadium last Saturday night, all eyes will be on the reviving Lobatse giants to determine if the impressive win was not a fluke. The win has not helped Mapantsula as they have not moved out of the relegation zone. Gunners have accumulated 27 points and are lying in 15th position after 23 games.
They face a difficult task against Santos whom they have never beaten in the league. Gunners' coach Daniel 'Chicco' Nare is worried but hopeful man ahead of tonight's game. "I expect my players to be motivated by the fact that we have never beaten Santos. We have to go out there and maintain the same performance against TASC because there is no way we can get out of the relegation zone if we are not consistent," he said.
He stated that Santos have an experienced squad especially in defence. This means that his strikers will have to bring their scoring boots to unlock the Santos' rearguard. Gunners can take solace from the fact that their opponents have struggled with form of late. "We stand a chance but we will have to be wary of their poor run because they would want to get back to winning ways," said Nare. Gunners go into the game with a full squad after the return of Nkosinathi Khumalo from suspension.
But Nare might be forced to exclude Khumalo from the starting line-up after Johannes Motse excelled in the mauling of TASC. Motse who has not been a favourite since his arrival, netted a brace last weekend.
Though they were tipped as title favourites after a good start to the season, Santos fell apart last December thus giving Mochudi Centre Chiefs space to lift the diadem. Santos have not won in their last seven games. The poor form has seen head coach Raphael Phiri getting the boot last month. Former Jwaneng Comets' coach, Boyo Radipotsane has been brought in to revive the Santos fortunes and only time will tell if he is up to the task. Unfortunately, tonight he will not sit on the bench as he has travelled with the national Under-20 team to Namibia for the African Youth Championship qualifier.
Reports coming from Santos' camp indicate that morale is low ahead of the date against Gunners. A senior player told Mmegi Sport yesterday that they will be lucky to get a point from the game. "Since losing the race to Chiefs, all has not been well. The players are not well looked after and this is not helping matters." He said that the arrival of Radipotsane has changed things a bit as players have respect for him.
Santos face Gunners without the services of Khumo 'Shoes' Motlhabane who is serving a suspension. Another experienced defender, Pius Kolagano is doubtful because of knee injury, while Seabo Gabanakgosi has just returned to full training. Talented midfielder, Vincent Phiri is the man to unlock the Gunners' rearguard with striker Botlhe 'Ringo' Rankgomo waiting to pounce.
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