30 Oct 2023

A newbie in the First Division South league, Desert Nxau suffered yet another defeat  when they were humbled 2-1 on home ground by Union Flamengo Santos at Tsabong VDC grounds on Saturday.

Barely a week after their loss to Prisons, Desert Nxau desperately needed a good result to redeem themselves in their clash with Santos.

However, they were no match for the ruthless visiting Santos who outclassed them with two clinical finishes to win the game.

The local lads created many chances in the first half but failed to convert them.

In the early minutes of the second half, Santos centre back, Tlamelo ‘Robino’ Abueng gave his side an early lead, rattling the net on the 50th minute of the game.

However, Desert Nxau boys were quick to respond on the 58th minute with an equalizer by the crowd favourite, Morebodi ‘Zokora’ Haenanyane who sent the crowd into a roar of applause.

The host’s worst nightmare were the fresh legs of Santos right winger Tumelo ‘Santhi’ Thebe, who replaced Thapelo Jacob on the 75th minute and later scored the second goal on the 90th minute.

Desert Nxau, affectionately referred to as ‘Boys to Men’ in football cycles are desperately fighting to return to their hay days.

They are now hungry for a win against Jwaneng based Young Stars this coming weekend.

“Our only hope to prove ourselves is to win the upcoming match against Young Stars this coming weekend,” said Desert Nxau care taker coach Joseph Coetzee.

Even though they have lost the game, he appreciated that their performance has improved.

“We were dominating the game in the first half. The boys played very well. But when we entered the box, we failed to convert. We have done well, it is just that luck was not on our side.” He said.

Coetzee said they made some errors and will go back to the drawing board to correct them.

“I am proud of the boys. They continue to show some improvement in every game, but a loss is a loss,” said Coetzee with a low pitched voice.

Santos head coach, Badiri Sesiro said he did no underestimate Desert Nxau as  a newbie as it is a force to be reckoned with.

“Desert Nxau is a strong team and has great support.

Looks like the teams that will come here will struggle against it.

The game was tough because it was hot and windy.

They equalised because we committed some errors in the defence.

We corrected them in the second half, sealed the backline and used counter attacks, which worked against them,” he said.

A 38-year-old die hard Desert Nxau supporter, who has supported the team from a tender age, Fani Mmabe appreciated that his team continued to gain shape in each match and improving their game play.

“I trust their capabilities and our play has improved. They gain momentum in each game they play.

If we can manage to get a win against Young Stars this coming weekend, we will be able to get back into the mood.

My hopes are pinned on winning the upcoming game,” he said. Ends