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 The game promises to be a thriller as both clubs vie to reach the final and clinch the P90,000 first prize and an automatic ticket to continental football next year. For the past two seasons, BDF XI alias Matebele, have turned into an easy target for Notwane. This does not mean that Matebele will take to the field trembling like leaves. They will certainly roll up their sleeves and take the game to the trenches, if necessary.
BDF XI coach, Stanley Tshosane has said that he wants to win the Coke Cup badly for the first time since taking the reigns in 2000. But what is worrying him is that he faces the possibility of playing against Toronto with a depleted outfit. “It’s not good to play Notwane without a number of key players,” he said. However, the army team coach said this does not mean they will be easy meat. Tshosane said that they would put up a gallant fight. “I want this cup badly because it has eluded me for so long and my boys know that,” he said. Six of BDF XI key players are injured. These are Mpho Mabogo, Kabelo Kadisa, Shepherd Musekgwa, Modiri Marumo, Richard Gabaitsane and Otlaadisa Shadrack.
Though there is doubt about the recovery of the other five players, Tshosane was hopeful that Marumo will be fit for the game. The Zebras goalkeeper has been struggling with a groin injury for sometime though he was in goal against BMC in the quarter-finals last weekend. “With or without them, life has to go on and we must reach the final,” said the Matebele coach. Tshosane is happy that nobody gives them a chance of winning the game because it will ease pressure on his charges. BDF XI last won the Coca-Cola Cup in 1998, beating Jwaneng Comets 1-0 through Simon Rasetshwane’s strike. At the time, they were under the tutelage of Sikalame Keatlholetswe. If they entertain winning the cup again, the likes of Nelson Gabolwelwe, Keikotlhae Botlhoko, Donald Thobega, John Moipolai and Kenny Ramodisa will have to be at their best. As for Thobega, the memories of winning the cup are still fresh in his mind as he successfully guided Mogoditshane Fighters to victory last year.
As for Toronto, their nippy striker Pontsho Moloi is the man to watch. There is no doubt that the BDF XI coach is having sleepless nights trying to come up with tactics of guarding him. The reason is simple. Moloi has never failed to inflict pain and terrorise Matebele. In their two meetings in the league, Moloi tormented Matebele and scored the only goal during the first round. Then there is Kooagetse Radipotsane, the inspirational midfielder, who has proved his mettle and posted sterling performances. He has scored some crucial goals during the campaign. In Notwane’s last game against Police XI, in the quarterfinals last weekend, Radipotsane proved that Toronto were right to hire his services from Gabane Santos. The Sefophe-born midfielder combines both steel and skill and single-handedly destroyed Police XI in the middle. To crown a great performance, he surged forward to score the second goal in Toronto’s 2-0 victory. Before then, Radipotsane’s shot had struck the crossbar with Police XI goalkeeper, Bafedile Lekalake well beaten. What Zimbabwean mentor Barry Daka can pray for is that Radipotsane should be in a fine-form on the day.
Notwane captain, Phadza Butale said they were prepared to take their opponents head-on. “It won’t be an easy game but our focus is on winning the cup,” he said. Notwane last tasted the cup in 1997, beating Mokgosi Young Fighters 2-0 under the guidance of Zimbabwean, Paul Moyo. Whether Daka can emulate what his compatriot did seven years ago still remains to be seen. Notwane will go into the game without the services of Mpoeleng Mpoeleng who was sent off against Tasc. Barulaganye Bolofete and Benjamin Radimo are doubtful as they are carrying injuries. Captain Butale will miss the game because of bookings.
Before the Notwane-BDF XI clash, ERC Dukwi takes on Moeng College in the Coca-Cola Cup Senior Schools final at 1pm at the National Stadium. Both sides displayed entertaining football during the national schools finals in Gaborone three weeks ago. On paper, ERC Dukwi are favourites to win the cup going by the players they have. Both schools are making their maiden appearances in the finals after the southern schools had dominated the tournament for the past 10 years.
Meanwhile, the Kgalagadi Beverages, Trade Marketing Manager, Thapelo Letsholo say they are worried by the poor attendances at the games. “We’re very worried and we’ll be meeting to see what can be done to rectify the situation,” said Thapelo Letsholo. The Botswana Football Association (BFA) acting chief executive officer, Sikalame Keatlholetswe shared the same sentiments.
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