Tshepo Molwane
9 July 2009
Mogoditshane Fighters have vowed that despite their precarious position, they will be campaigning in the be MOBILE Premier League next season. With three games to play before the 2008-2009 season ends, the Mogoditshane-based outfit is sitting on position 14 with 26 points.
As things stand, if the Brazilians finish in the same position, they will be forced to participate in the promotion play-offs with Miscellaneous and Jwaneng Comets. But if Fighters get maximum points in the three games, either Nico United or BMC might be fighting tooth and nail to avoid the chop. Things took a turn for the worse when the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) stopped financial support to the Brazilians who are failing to establish themselves as they did eight years ago when the team was a force to reckon with. Then, under tactician David Bright and led by captain Masego 'Abedi' Ntshingane, Fighters won everything on offer.
This season, the former giants have been blowing hot and cold and some football pundits have written their obituary. The situation is not helped by reports that some officials and fans have lost faith. But one man who still remains hopeful that Fighters will survive is technical director and former coach Letang 'Rasta' Kgengwenyane.
Recently, he decided not to be involved in the day-to-day running of the club and appointed his homeboy, Patrick 'Barnes' Molefe as coach. He said the appointment of Molefe enabled him to watch the team from the stands and identify weaknesses. "Some people already think that we're going to be relegated but believe me, people are in for a shock. When the season ends, one of the big teams would be heading to the play-offs and we will be safe. Starting this weekend (against Flamengo Santos in Molepolole on Sunday), we have to collect points. We cannot afford to drop points because it will be suicidal," Kgwengwenyane told Mmegi Sport yesterday. He added that he has talked to his players and they understand what is at stake. "All my players are available and they know that we've to put our problems aside. Santos is a strong side but we've to come to the party," he said. The other two remaining games for the Mogoditshane-based side are against Notwane and Police XI. On paper, Fighters can win all the three games but it will depend on their attitude.
While Kgengwenyane is confident of survival, Santos has warned that it will not compromise in their remaining games. Santos is sitting on 11th spot with 32 points from 27 games and coach Clever Hunda said that all their games will be like cup finals because they want to avoid the play-offs. "History tells me that we have always had a tough time against Fighters. I watched them (Fighters) against GU when they lost 2-1 and they showed a lot of fighting spirit. We have to be careful against them. Beating Fighters would make things easier for us," said Hunda.
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