BR Highlanders coach, Mogomotsi Mpote, believes that his side would survive the dreaded relegation axe come the end of the current be MOBILE Premier League season. He said this after watching his side go down 2-0 to Township Rollers at Molepolole Sports Stadium in midweek. The Mahalapye-based side is rock bottom of the log with five points from 19 games.
On paper, the issue of surviving the chop is just a mere dream considering that they have only managed a single win in top flight, which only came recently. But Mpote who has been in a similar situation before with Miscellaneous is optimistic.
“The team has improved a lot compared to the previous games. We played well against Rollers but we were killed by our lack of experience in some situations but there is light down the tunnel. I know people would dismiss me but we’re going to fight with all we have in the remaining games. My conscience tells me that we’ll be in the Premier League next season,” said a confident Mpote.
After a gallant fight against Rollers, Highlanders would have a two-week break to try and recharge their batteries before their next game against ECCO City Greens. Mpote sees the break as a chance to try and improve the fitness levels of his squad.
“This break will be crucial to us as it will give me a chance to analyse where we went wrong in our previous games. I can see that my players are heading in the right direction. In the upcoming games, we’re not going to donate points like have been the case, especially in the first round,” he added.
Mpote, who has only been in charge of eight games at the Botswana Railways sponsored outfit, has paid tribute to the players who joined the club during the January transfer window.
Highlanders went on a shopping spree in January when they signed 15 players in a bid to consolidate their position in the top division. Some of the experienced players who have been brought in are Gabriel Bokhutlo, Gagotwesepe Legoreng, Thebe Maiketso, Mosimanegape Ngongorego and Segakolodi Ntima.
The former TASC and Miscellaneous coach warned his players against complacency, especially when they manage to get maximum points. Last month, Highlanders shocked the football fraternity when they registered their first win of the season beating Miscellaneous 1-0 at the Molepolole Stadium.
“It was a deserved win for us but the challenge we’re facing is keeping the players focused after a positive result. They need to know that the celebrations end on that day then we get on with business,” he warned.
The remaining 11 fixtures are not going to be easy for the rookies but Mpote said that they are not going to lie down and let their opponents dictate terms to them. He pleaded with the community of Mahalapye to rally behind the team as they close in on the season.
“This is the time when we need our supporters more than before. They’ve been very good to us as they have managed to follow us to the games but we need them more. With their support, I have no doubt that we’ll get the much needed results,” concluded Mpote.
Highlanders’ remaining games are with ECCO City Greens, BMC, Extension Gunners, Uniao Flamengo Santos, Gaborone United, TAFIC, BDF XI, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Motlakase, Prisons XI and Notwane.
