12 May 2024

In a desperate struggle to avoid the chop, Notwane and Desert Nxau played to a 0-all draw at the SSG grounds on May 11, leaving both teams still on the brink of trickling down to regional football ahead of their last games of the campaign next weekend.

The two teams approached the game with nothing but maximum points in mind to salvage a lifeline in the second tier.

The stalemate did not do either team any favour, a fact that both coaches are aware of.

In a post-match interview, Notwane coach, Thatayamodimo Tebele conceded that the result left them in a tight situation.

“It’s one of the games that needed mental strength from the players, and they tried everything but were let down by poor finishing due to lack of composure in the box, that’s where we lost it,” he said.

Tebele said ahead of their last game away to basement side, URI Black Forest, they would have to work more on the mental strength of the players to instill in them a fighting spirit, but said tactically the team was fine.

“It’s a do or die situation and we will have to fight until the end,” he said.

His counterpart at Desert Nxau, Charles Seloselong said they approached the game as if they were playing a cup final.

“It was a tough game and we came targeting a win, but we will be happy with a point looking at the fact that our opponent was equally fighting for dear life.

Seloselong said the draw now made their next game against Extension Gunners a must win.

The draw leaves Desert Nxau with 21 points, a point above Black Forest, who are rooted at the bottom.

Notwane sits at 22 points, just above Mogoditshane Fighters on goal difference.

Elsewhere, Jwaneng Young Stars have guaranteed their ascension to the elite league next season after playing to a 1-all draw with Fighters.

The ensured Andrew Tlou’s boys an unassailable 44 points.

In other games in the first division south, Tlokweng United beat URI Black Forest 2-0 while Extension Gunners lost 0-1 to Union Flamengo Santos. Mochudi Centre Chiefs also lost by a solitary goal to Prisons XI.

The results will ensure a few mouthwatering games next weekend, especially at the lower end of the table. ENDS