13 Jun 2022

 Etsha Morning Stars Football Club from Gumare stream will represent Nhabe region at the promotional play offs to the National First Division North league billed for Kasane, on a date to be announced.

The club booked a spot at the regional play offs organised by Nhabe Regional Football Association (NRFA), which saw three teams from Maun, Gumare and Shakawe streams battling it out.

Etsha Morning Stars were crowned winners after an impressive 3-1 win over Maun based Western Dynamites in a hotly contested encounter. 

Their victory meant they would lock-horns with the champions from Boteti, Francistown and Chobe regions, which engaged in the play-offs in their respective blocks.

Etsha Morning Stars, under the guidance of youthful coach, Ketshepile Samende, featured in the play-offs last year and this time, players were determined to secure promotion.

Samende revealed in an interview that this time, they came prepared as it was not their first time to feature in the regional play-offs, adding that their aim was to proceed to the next level.

“My boys came prepared, motivated, and eager to win and represent our region. This time, we have a better chance than last year as we had enough time to recharge our batteries and I believe we will keep up the momentum as we will battling it out in the promotional play offs to First Division League,” he added.

The team’s captain, Opindi Shamwaka concurred that they worked hard hence their victory, adding that “we stood a clear chance to win the game considering the fact we were motivated and vibrant”.

He appreciated support from Etsha leadership and supporters, saying it rejuvenated players, who seemed to have lost confidence. Shamwaka also urged his fellow players not to lose focus as they prepare for First Division North league promotion.

NRFA vice chairperson, Ephraim Kgwarae expressed hope that the team would qualify for First Division North league and make the region proud, adding that the team displayed a sterling performance during the entire tournament.

“If history is anything to go by, then the team are favourites to win the promotional play-offs to First Division North, considering their preparation and good play,” he said. Kgwarae appreciated that the team was made up of relatively young and energetic players, who seemed focused, disciplined and ready to fight.

He once the team qualifies, it would be a sign of football growth in the region admitting that they had no teams from Gumare and Shakawe teams playing in First Division league.

Meanwhile, Kgwarae explained that NRFA hosted the regional play offs, because it was the only region with streams, unlike other blocks in North. ends