Notwane increase survival chances

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Monday May 6, 2013 00:00

 

Tshepiso Molwantwa's strike in the first minute was enough to give Toronto their seventh win of the season.The victory comes just days after Notwane head coach, Tonderai Marume was given 'indefinite leave' by the club management.

Marume was roped in at the beginning of the year after the departure of Clever Hunda.Before the match against Gunners on Saturday, Notwane had played 25 league matches, won just six, drew five and lost 14 leaving them in the danger zone for the second successive season. Following 'unsatisfactory' results, the club management gave Marume an indefinite leave last week until the end of the season. Oupa Kowa who has been Marume's assistant has now stepped in as acting head coach and assisted by Stephen Phetlhe and Paradzayi Mandivenga.

Against Gunners, they met a side that has done relatively well in the second round of the campaign.With Desire Bafana ruled out, Kerapetse Mosimanekgosi partnered Obey Kgomo in central defence for Gunners with exciting youngster, Katlego Koobake operating as a left back. Notwane on the other hand moved Kgomari Mothuba who normally plays as defender to the midfield where he did a sterling job against the likes of Monageng Thaele. 

Mothuba gave Notwane defence much-needed cover, cutting out most of the dangerous moves by Gunners.Ironically, Notwane scored the only goal of the match in 40 seconds from a Gunners' attack.Mapantsula went for the jugular immediately after the first whistle but Notwane thwarted the onslaught and launched a longball to Molwantwa who hit a volley, leaving Gunners' goalkeeper, Takudzwa Ndoro with no chance.

The former Zebras striker nearly punished Gunners again 10 minutes later when Mosimanekgosi made a terrible mistake at the back. Molwantwa found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, but shot wide. Gunners tried to re-group in search of the equaliser with Koobake whipping in dangerous crosses, but Notwane goalkeeper, Siamang Kgosipula dealt with them brilliantly.  Kgosipula was called to action again in the 30th minute and emerged tops, parrying away Thaele's cracking shot over the bar.

He injured himself in the process and had to play for over 15 minutes limping. He was substituted at half time with Mpho Ramodimo coming in.  In the second half, Gunners looked the better team especially after the introduction of striker, Apula Apula and midfielder, Tshepo 'Schoolboy' Molefe. The duo looked dangerous every time they attacked but Notwane stood firm and registered the all-important victory away from home.The win is a relief especially after another relegation candidate, Prisons XI beat Motlakase on the same day. 

Meanwhile log leaders, Mochudi Centre Chiefs have finally found their footing, winning their second game in a row.Chiefs defeated, Gaborone United (GU) 31 in Molepolole on Saturday, just a few days after thrashing Notwane 3-0.