VTM send powerful message
VTM 3 (Tawazadza 22nd, Myeni 27th, Mokoena 90th) Notwane
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TM FC made a strong statement in the race for the Debswana First Division South league title when they hammered Notwane 3-0 in an exciting encounter played at the VTM Arena on Saturday. However, head coach, Leutlwetse Tshireletso said as new comers in the league, they are not thinking about winning the title or gaining promotion to the elite league as yet.
The Gamononyane based side moved into position four on the log standings and so far collected 28 points from 16 matches. Six points separate them and log leaders, Matebele who registered a 2-0 victory over Black Rangers on Saturday. With a round of six games left, Tshireletso said they will take one game at a time and will try to finish as high as they can.
“We are not under any pressure of gaining promotion. If there is a possibility we will try our best to get there,” Tshireletso said after leading his side to a big victory against fellow title contenders. He said he was happy with the victory especially that they kept a clean sheet. He also said they have to continue taking advantage of the home ground and will treat every game as a final. “This is my second game with the boys. I am instilling the winning mentality. We are still in the rebuilding process. I am happy with the three points and the first half performance, but in the second half we did not play well,” he said.
VTM appeared to have done their homework against Toronto and dominated proceedings in the first half. Notwane only had a few chances, which they wasted through set pieces. The home side took the lead 22nd minute through John Tawazadza who rose high to head home following a good delivery from Sifiso Myeni. Myeni doubled the lead five minutes later with a cool finish. The former Orlando Pirates midfielder was instrumental in all the movements going forward while his South African teammate, Rooi Mahamutsa led from the back. Mahamutsa’s experience was key in dealing with the few Notwane threats and made several timely interceptions. By the half time break, VTM were carrying a comfortable 2-0 lead.
In the second half, Notwane looked much better and made several positive movements into VTM’s area but were let down by poor decision making in the final third. Notwane were caught napping again in the last minute of the game with Lucky Mokoena finding himself on the end of a good movement by the home side. The South African attacker made no mistake and increased VTM’s lead. Notwane, however, remain second on the log but saw the gap between them and Matebele increase by four points.
The teams:
VTM: Victor Mothakaja, Bakang Madaiza, Keabetswe Lucas, Kennedy Taukobong, Rooi Mahamutsa, Thato Mogorosi, Sfiso Myeni (Lucky Mokoena), Musa Tamokate (Bonginkosi Gumede), Bogosi Mfila (Kabelo Thomba), John Tawazadza (Ayanda Molefe), Kesaobaka Ramotshwaedi (Onkokame Koontse)
Notwane: Tumiso Mashakola, Kudzanai Machedzani, Thabang Ofitlhile, Molemi Dibuile, Sithembile Mbuqe (Thato Goitsemang), Obakeng Senono, Donald Botshoma (Tefo Galani), Omphemetse Mataung, Lemogang Kabo, Mphoyamodimo Keiponye, Remmington Masuku