Daniel ‘Chico’ Nare’s second coming to the Extension Gunners bench did nothing to inspire the Peleng outfit as they lost their fourth consecutive league match. Just four days into his appointment as coach, Nare was on the bench as his side lost 0 ÔÇô 2 at home to a resurgent BDF XI in a game played at the New Lobatse Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Gunners’ loss, which came through two first half strikes by Patrick Kaunda and Bitwell Phiri would have given Nare a glimpse of what he will have to do to turn around the fortunes of the Lobatse outfit.
In fact, the affable coach will be sure he has his work cut out for him after seeing what he termed ‘playing in patches’ display from his charges. “We cannot play in patches. We cannot go, play concede, go play concede. We should have played with the same intensity,” the Gunners gaffer explained after seeing his team go AWOL a couple of times in their loss to BDF XI. Against ‘Matebele,’ it was Gunners who started the game brilliantly, piling early pressure on their opponents, though failing to find their way to goal. The first chance of the match fell to Gunners in the 6th minute when Gunners were awarded a set piece on the edge of the box after Mogomotsi Mokoka was fouled on the edge of the box. The resultant set piece, which was taken by Modisaotsile, was easily saved by BDF XI goalkeeper Mwampule Masule.
Two minutes later, the BDF goalie was once again called into action, this time saving midfielder Kemmy Pilato’s long range attempt. Despite their great start, Gunners then went AWOL in the 14th minute and were duly punished as a good interplay between Kaunda and Abi Ramodiane ended with the latter’s pull back assist tucked past Wagarre Dikago by Kaunda. The goal was the cue BDF XI needed as they then took control of the game, pressing Gunners and ensuring they never settle back to their traditional possession based game. The Lobatse side were then pegged two goals down in the 45th minute when Kabelo Seakanyeng, who had troubled the Gunners defence all afternoon, dribbled his way into the box, before passing the ball back to Bitwell Phiri to slot in and give BDF XI a two goal cushion going into recess. From recess, neither of the two sides found the net despite the chances they created.
Gunners’ should have at least reduced arrears a few minutes into the second half when Monageng Thaele’s well taken corner was flicked into Amos Godirwang’s path in the box but the latter flashed his attempt across the goal posts. Gunners then went AWOL again and were nearly punished in the 68th minute when Othusitse Mpharitlhe missed the upright after being set on goal by a delightful Seakanyeng back heel. Gunners would however return from their self imposed leave in the last fifteen minutes of the game as they took the game to their opponents. It was however too little too late as BDF XI held on to win the encounter and continue their ascent towards the log summit while Gunners descent in the opposite direction continued.
In his post match interview, Nare admitted that after seeing his players in action, there is a lot that needs to be done before any turnaround can be made. “There is a lot that needs to be done which could have not been fixed in four days. We just have to go and work and we will see where we are in twenty days. All I can do is plead with the Gunners supporters to be patient with me and I will fix the problems,” Nare said. For his part, BDF XI coach Beston Chambeshi expressed pleasure at his team’s performance. “I am happy with the way the boys are playing. We are now competing in the league which is good for the sponsors and for us,” the BDF XI coach said. Chambeshi said his team had to be more alert defensively against Gunners, more especially in the last fifteen minutes when Gunners were pressing them in search of goals. “Playing a team like Gunners is not easy because it is a big team. I had to tell my players to pack the back and defend well. They played well in the last fifteen minutes when it was too late,” Chambeshi concluded.
Line Ups
Gunners: Dikago, Modisaotsile, Desire Bafana, Katlego Mothibi, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile, Godirwang, Pilato, Thaele, Tshegofatso Chimuku, Boitshoko Zikhale, Mokoka
BDF XI: Masule, Bonolo Phuduhudu, Mpharitlhe, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Keleagetse Mogomotsi, Phiri, Keeagile Kobe, Abi Ramodiane, Kaunda, Ofentse Mmipi, Seakanyeng.
