16 Jan 2022

Premier League rookies, Sua Flamingoes, climbed to second place on the log standings after thrashing the struggling Notwane 3-0 on Saturday.

Coach Rahman Gumbo’s boys made a flurry of early attacks in a high tempo match played at Lobatse Sports Complex and had a goal by captain, Tendai Nyumasi, ruled offside in the eighth minute.

However, Notwane under interim coach Israel Molao, put strong resistance as the match progressed with strikers Aobakwe Tshobo and Botshelo Mafoko coming close to finding the net.

Teenage midfielder, Shawn Theron, impressed with neat passes, while Karabo Rabasadi delivered good crosses from the left wing, which troubled the Flamingoes defence.

The ‘Flam Boys’, however, regained control after halftime with a snapshot by Nyumasi forcing a brilliant save from Notwane goalkeeper Mabitso Rapowa.

The visitors finally took the lead through a 59th minute penalty after a Notwane defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the 18-yard area.
Nyumasi calmly slotted the spot-kick.

The referee dismissed strong appeals for a penalty by the Notwane players’ midway through the second half after Rabasadi went down in a tussle with Kealeboga Molebatsi.

Flamingoes then sealed victory through two late goals by Mcebisi Moyo.

The striker slotted into the net in the 88th minute from a through pass and completed his brace in additional time when his deflected shot from the edge of the penalty area deceived Rapowa.

The victory was the third in a row for Flamingoes, who are enjoying a dream first season in the top division league. They now have collected 27 points from 14 matches and trail log leaders Gaborone United by six points.

Notwane by contrast are enduring a rough campaign.

The fading giants of Botswana football suffered their 11th defeat from 13 matches. They have collected six points and are in the relegation zone.

They are already under the guidance of a third coach this season after sacking Oupa Kowa towards the end of last year and interim coach Pullen Busang some few days ago.

Meanwhile, BDF XI drew 1-1 with Orapa United in another match played at Lobatse Sports Complex on Saturday.

Godiraone Modingwane opened the scoring for BDF XI in the 72nd minute of the hard fought encounter, while United levelled matters five minutes later through a brilliant free-kick by Allen Ndodole.

The result means BDF XI have finished the first round with 27 points from 15 matches.

Orapa on one hand have collected 23 points from 11 matches and are currently on position five. ENDS