Normally, promotional playoffs are known as a no aesthetics, not for fan’s pleasure football. In the words of one administrator, they are ‘business football.’
UB Hawks football club however looks determined to go against the grain and bark that trend. Whereas their competitors have resorted to results oriented football at the ongoing promotional playoffs, Hawks have stuck to their claws, playing attractive football as they chase promotion.
Playing in their home ground, UB Hawks have taken everything in their fight and have won their first two outings, making them outright log leaders with six points.
A day after beating Naughty Boys by a solitary goal in their first outing in Southern Block’s Debswana First Division League (DFDL) promotional playoffs on Saturday, Hawks came from behind to easily dispose Mochudi United 3 – 1 on Sunday afternoon.
In what was a proper football match played at the bumpy University of Botswana Stadium, Hawks got to a slow start and they found themselves a goal behind thanks to Otsile Ramoroki’s well taken strike 15 minutes into the encounter.
It did not take UB Hawks long to fight back. They equalized two minutes later through a wonder set piece by Thabang Bojosi which left Mochudi United rooted to the spot. While Hawks were firmly in control, they however failed to extend their lead as both teams went to recess locked at 1 goal apiece.
From recess however, Hawks effortlessly glided over Mochudi United. Their efforts paid off handsomely about 10 minutes into the second half as Kago Sesinyi finished of a good flowing move.
The game was all but ended within another 10 minutes as Bonno Spepako’s headed effort at goal was adjudged to have crossed the goal, sparking some fierce remonstration from the team towards the assistant referee.
It was however an all-deserved win for a team expected to have been the dark horses of the playoffs as they pocketed another crucial 3 points to be outright pace setters.
Hawks will however know they have a battle in their hands when the playoffs reach the end stages this coming weekend as they are yet to take on promotional games favorites Debswana Young Stars and VTM Football club in their last two matches.
The latter is in second position in the promotional playoffs, having amassed 4 points from a possible 6 points. VTM started their campaign with a 1 – 1 draw against Young Stars, who were always touted as their main competitors.
VTM, who have seemingly opted for business football at the expense of the good flowing football they are known for, have not been very convincing, though they are very much in the race.
The team will be hoping to make amends and keep close tabs on Hawks when they play the whipping boys of the playoffs, Naughty Boys of Tlokweng in their next outing. A convincing win against Naughty Boys will leave VTM with their fate in their own hands irrespective of Hawks’ results.
While they will be fully aware their fate lies in their own hands, VTM will be keeping fingers crossed that Young Stars do them a favour when they play Hawks. It will however not be so easy for the former after they lost two key players to red cards in their game against Naughty Boys.
Young Stars will however take courage from the fact that despite playing the game with two men down, they managed to hold Naughty Boys to a credible draw. Young Stars goalkeeper was given a second yellow card straight from recess, while their centre back got marching orders 10 minutes before the end of the game.
Meanwhile, Naughty Boys will be hoping to resuscitate their promotional chances when they play Mochudi United in their next encounter. A win will leave them on four points, meaning they will still have an outside chance to make a step to the second highest league in Botswana.
For Mochudi United however, all seems lost as they are yet to earn a point. Even if they win their next two games, the Kgatleng outfit can only manage to accumulate six points.
The promotional games are expected to continue this coming weekend, with the first game due to be played on Friday night. The games will conclude on Sunday with a potential decider between UB Hawks and VTM FC.
