Former Gaborone United (GU) hardman, Ofentse ‘Size 10′ Nato, says he was happy with his performance on debut for his new club Bidvest Wits in the South African Premier League on Saturday afternoon. ┬á
Nato, who has recently signed a two-year contract with the Milpark-based outfit, came on in the 66th minute to replace Zimbabwean midfielder, Tinashe Nengomasha.
Unfortunately for Nato and his new teammates, they went down 2-0 to Freestate Stars in a tough encounter played at Goble Park Stadium.
Paulus Masehe and Noah Chivuta grabbed the two┬ágoals for the home side in the opening 25 minutes of the game. When things were not going their side, coach Antonio Habas had no choice but to turn to Nato but it was not the Students’ day.
“It was an honour to be in the travelling team considering the names in the team. It was even made special when the coach decided to put me in. The coach (Habas) told me to concentrate more on attacking because we were already trailing after letting in two quick goals in the first half,” said Nato. After tasting 24 minutes of professional football, the towering midfielder targets a place in the starting line-up in the future games.
“I want to fight for a starting place in the team. I know I have what it takes to do that even though there are some of the most experienced players in my position,” he added.
Nato and his teammates face another daunting task on August 22 when they take on rejuvenated Black Leopards at Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg. Leopards were on song on Sunday when they beat Bloemfontein Celtic 3-2 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Meanwhile, two other Botswana internationals, Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele (Platinum Stars) and Dipsy Selolwane (University of Pretoria), made their debuts on Sunday afternoon. Ngele came on to replace Siphelele Mthembu in the 80th minute with his side enjoying a 3-1 lead at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. It was a good start for Stars after they invested in a number of players at the beginning of the season. A band of Botswana supporters travelled to the North-West Provence to cheer on the former Township Rollers’ talisman.
Ngele travels to Freestate Stadium where his side take on Celtic on August 22. Ngele is likely to come up against another Botswana international, Joel Mogorosi, who will be in Celtic colours. The speedy Mogorosi missed Saturday’s game against Black Leopards as he was in the country tying the knot to Figar Pule.
He has already made his official debut against Orlando Pirates in the MTN 8 Cup the previous weekend where he played for 90 minutes. Selolwane started the game against Maritzburg United, which ended in a 1-1 draw. He was substituted in the 46th minute paving the way for the goalscorer, David Radebe.
University of Pretoria take on Golden Arrows at  Princess Magogo Stadium next week on Wednesday. Selolwane has just joined the Premier League rookies from neigbours Supersport United.
The South African Premier League goes on recess to pave way for MTN 8 semi-final first leg.
