Speaking after his side clinched a last-minute win away to Black Forest here Saturday, Mashabi told SportMonitor that they do not want to put themselves under unnecessary pressure but would be taking each game as it comes. He explained that the team has a good recovery plan in place to ensure that they return to the top flight soon.
“There is no pressure at all. We will just take one game as it comes. We do have a good recovery plan, which I think if things go according to plan, we will be back among the big boys in no time, but for now there is no pressure but one game at a go,” Mashabi said. Mashaba said his team has put last season’s off field challenges behind and have opened a completely new chapter.
He said things are looking good for the team at the moment although there is always room for improvement. Reflecting on the match, he said his team stuck to the game plan although at times were found wanting as they struggled to cope with the physical demands of the First Division. Gunners’ striker, Pako Modikwa, came on in the second half and scored an additional time winner to secure the three points for the visitors in a match, which had an impressive attendance. The first half saw no team create any real opportunities as they were both guilty of losing the ball cheaply. The visitors were, however, the better team as they had most of the ball possession.
Atholang Jeremane saw his low drive shot parried away by the Black Forest goalkeeper in the 17th minute. A few minutes later, Black Forest defence was alert to avert danger after their goalkeeper, Michael James, miscalculated a cross from the left. Black Forest returned from recess the stringer side with the team playing with purpose. Attacking Midfielders Otaarongwa Nthumolang and Wilfred Dithwane proved to be a thorn in the Gunners defence. The two were always in the mix as Forest launched attack after another looking for an opener. Forest could have been three goals up before Gunners scored the winner but will rue their missed chances.
Dithwane missed a free header in the 78th minute while Nthumolang saw his long range shot, which appeared destined for goal, go inches wide. Gunners grabbed the winner in referee’s additional time after Modikwa connected beautifully with defender Benson Mosokobanji’s free-kick to send their fans into wild celebrations.
The teams:
Black Forest: James, Tiyapo Maripe, Botlhe Pansiri, Sylvester Bitsang, Tsholofelo Setlhare, Andrew Shadreck, Kealeboga Botlhole, Kaboyaone Mosope, (Thabo Motlhabane), Ditlhwane, Kamogelo Mphahlele, (Tlamelo Rantlole), Nthumolang Gunners: Ofentse Tauyatswala, Thato Bolweleng, Thamiso Gagoanngwe, Benson Mosokobanji, Thapelo Legae, Ofentse Nato, Kabo Matshula, Atholang Jeremane,( Kgotso Phuthi) Oratile Mhaladi (Modikwa), Boyo Lechaena, Buang Dithebe (Kgotso Tlholwe)
Caution: Bitsang
Black Forest (0) 0 Extension Gunners (0) 1 (Modikwa 90+5)
