RACING AGAINST TIME
This week’s interesting fixture is between Notwane and Mahalapye Railways Highlanders on Sunday at the National Stadium.
The two teams are separated by a point. Highlander, who conceded 45 goals, have registered 3 wins, 6 draws, lost 14 goals and collected 15 points out of the 23 games they have played. Sechaba have a game in hand and have collected 16 points so far, won 4, drew 4 and lost 14 out of the 22 games they played.
Highlanders, who have been the last on the log since the beginning of the season, took a step up after defeating Extension Gunners 1-0 over the weekend. Sechaba are now under the tutelage of the new coach, Thaloba Nthaga, and they won 3-2 against Morupule Wanderers last Sunday. Nthaga joined Notwane two weeks ago from another struggling side, Mogoditshane Fighters.
All eyes will be on Highlanders speedy winger, Bokang Rathipana, who scored the winning goal against Gunners. The 22-year-old wingercum-striker has so far scored 7 goals.
Speaking to Voice Sport, Nthaga said he believes he has the right material to avoid relegation. He said this is going to be a tough encounter as their opponents are also on the wrong position of the log but he is going to fight with all he has to win it.
“This is a must-win. We cannot afford to lose points at this moment. We have minor injuries from the weekend game but I guess they will be cleared on Friday and all players will be available for selection. Notwane is playing good football, all the departments are in good shape and I have no doubt the boys will deliver,” said Nthaga.
Highlanders Coach, Kabo Dintwa, is also optimistic that his team will avoid the chop. He said their victory over the weekend has brought hope and lifted players’ morale. The coach said it is always a challenge to play against a team that is also struggling but that they also need the maximum points.
“It is not yet over and anything is possible. This season was hard because we were building a new team, had little time to prepare and to find the winning combination. We will fight until the last game of the season. We can survive from the remaining games that are left to wrap up the season, provided we fight as a team. This is not going to be an easy one because Notwane is above us and they will not want to go down. We are going to play with caution so that we do not concede,” he added.