FRANCISTOWN: Extension Gunners coach, Thabo ‘Mahala’ Motang has pleaded with fans not to desert the club although results are not coming out. Gunners suffered a 1-0 loss to Eleven Angels on Saturday at the Old Francistown Stadium.

It was Gunners’ 13th loss of the season. The Lobatse giants have collected a paltry three points from their previous 10 matches (possible 30 points). In total, they have amassed 10 points from 19 matches and occupy the last position in the league (16th).

Gunners have been flirting with relegation for almost a decade and have often survived by a whisker, but this time around they look destined to the First Division. Even on Saturday, Gunners supporters did not come in their usual numbers, which might be a clear indication that they are tired of the club’s bad form. A majority of those who attended the match looked dejected. This was perhaps another sign that supporters have given up on the club’s chances of survival but Motang believes there is still much to fight for.

“It is not easy for them (supporters) to accept where we are but it is important to come together (all stakeholders of the club). If we start pointing fingers, the situation will worsen. We need them (supporters) the most,” Motang said in a post-match interview.

The former Township Rollers coach also believes that Ezimnyama can pull another Houdini act and escape relegation.

“What is the point difference between the Top 8 club and us? The difference is not that much. If we can grind results in two or three games we will be counted somewhere. We still have a fair chance of surviving,” Motang said.

He feels that his side has been unlucky for most part of the season. Even against Angels he believes that they could have at least salvaged a draw because the match was ‘even’ and they had a few decent chances.

“We should not panic. Once we panic, we start putting ourselves under pressure. We have to be persistent and keep the same momentum. Results will come,” he added.

Defender Shanganani Ngada’s 38th minute header was enough to give Angels the second home league win in a row, in a seemingly average encounter. Both sides created scoring opportunities but they lacked killer instincts. Angels are now on 28 points and are on position seven after 19 rounds of matches. The league rookies are almost safe from relegation and their major goal is now to collect as many points as they can to finish in a very respectable position.

The teams:

Angels: Tambani Bachopi, Marcus Maokaneng, Shanganani Ngada, Thuso Monyama, Ofentse Ntesang, Jacob Matlalo, Kudzani Sibanda (Mompati Mmeshe), Mompati Mbidzo, Ogotseng Keletso (Bakang Mpatane), Tlotlo Kgaolo (Tebogo Ishmael), Eric Ookame (Desmond Mtukufa) Gunners: Keagile Kgosipula, Katlego Mothibi, Thato Bololweng, Bafana Desire, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile, Ofentse Nato, Brendon Kenosi, Thapelo Thebeyame, Boemo Lekorwe, Omphile Vissage, Kobamelo Kebaikanye