The stress levels are increasing almost every week for all those close to Notwane. After watching his side going down 2-1 to BDF XI in a be MOBILE Premier League game played at SSKB Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, some supporters conceded that their date with destiny is not far away.
In a twist of events, Notwane’s coach, Tonderai Marume, took a swipe at the club’s supporters and accused them of being xenophobic. His accusation comes almost a fortnight after he surprisingly approached the supporters at the end of their clash against ECCO City Greens. The move surprised many people as they felt it was uncalled for of him to have done that considering the frustrations the supporters were going through.
In midweek after referee Uyapo Julius had blown his final whistle to add more misery to Notwane’s campaign, Marume, who was wearing a black blazer, stood in despair in the middle of the park surrounded by his players. Frustration was written all over his face. “It is not nice for them (supporters) to say xenophobic statements towards me. They must come to the games to rally behind the team. That is what we need in the situation we’re in. At least today they were better and I would like to commend them,” the Zimbabwean-born coach said.
Quizzed whether he is getting along well with the management of the club amid reports that he is in the firing line, Marume played his cards close to his chest, “I’m not one to say things about the management. My focus is on technical matters.”
According to reports, Notwane management is the one sabotaging the coach. Initially, the game against BDF XI was originally scheduled for March 29 but when it was changed to March 27 it was not communicated to Marume.
“You can’t expect the coach to deliver the results when at the same time they’re not giving him full support,” said someone close to Notwane camp. The defeat to BDF XI condemned Notwane close to relegation with 10 games to spare. It is the same situation Toronto Boys faced this time around last season.
Notwane could have easily snatched a result against Matebele but it was their players who failed to bury the chances created.
Ndiyapo Letsholathebe gave the army side a lead early in the game before Ofentse Mmipi struck from outside the box in the second half. Ronald Kefilwe scored the consolation goal for Notwane.
“We gave our all and it’s unfortunate that we could not get a result today. It’s just that when you playing against sides like BDF XI which are at the top, they will always be difficult to beat considering our position on the log. Sometimes we need to be realistic because we can’t expect to beat top sides like BDF XI with the material we have,” said a dejected Marume.
After given a lifeline to remain in the Premier League following the de-registration of Security Systems and Police XI, Notwane seem to be headed for the miserable time in the lower ranks. But Marume remains optimistic that they can still sustain their position in the top flight.
“The hope is there. We’ll give our best in the remaining games. I believe that the players we have are capable of fighting till the end,” said Marume.
Notwane’s 10 remaining games are against Tafic, Uniao Flamengo Santos, Miscellaneous, BMC, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Extension Gunners, Motlakase, Mogoditshane Fighters, Gaborone United and BR Highlanders.
