16 May 2022

Notwane needs a miracle to survive relegation after being hammered 4-0 by Police XI on Saturday at Lobatse Sports Complex.  The heavy defeat left Notwane on position 15 with 19 points.

 They need to win their remaining two matches against Orapa United and title chasing Gaborone United, and hope that either Mogoditshane Fighters or Prisons XI lose their remaining matches.

Anything less than that would see ‘Sechaba’ return to the second tier First Division South league for the second time after just three seasons in the top division.

Needing a win to keep alive his team’s faint survival hopes, Notwane coach Thaloba Nthaga left his experienced defenders Kereng Mpetang and Katlego Koobake on the bench.

He instead partnered Tshepo Ramhenngwa with Kudzanai Machadzani and Thato Moganana in his three-man central defence, with Raymond Israel and Botshelo Mafoko operating as wing backs.

The plan however backfired as the rear guard was easily cracked by the ‘Jungle Kings’, who recorded their biggest win in this campaign.

 Police sent an early warning when striker Pako Gaofose fired over the posts from close range in the 8^th minute.

They opened the scoring 10 minutes later through captain Betsho Pius, who tapped into an open net after goalkeeper Mabitso Rapowa failed to cut a square ball from Chicco Molefe.

Aobakwe Tshobo wasted a glittering opportunity to level matters four minutes later with a weak attempt that went wide after outpacing Police defence. Such wastefulness was quickly punished when Eliphas Nyambi tucked home a loose ball in the 26^th minute after Rapowa fumbled a free-kick, to double the ‘Jungle Kings’ lead.

Introduction of striker Joseph Pyele and Koobake early in the second half failed to change the complexion of the game for Notwane, but instead Police continued dictating terms with Letlhogonolo Senwelo keeping Notwane playmaker Sithembile Mbuqe quiet.

Rapowa then produced a point blank save to deny Nyambi another goal, but the goalkeeper could do nothing to stop powerful shots from Senwelo in the 72^nd minute and Larona Modisaemang in the 83^rd minute from hitting the net as Police sealed a resounding victory.

Police XI victory on the other hand solidified their position in the top half of the Botswana Premier League table.  They are on position eight with 40 points from 28 matches. ENDS