Interestingly, Notwane were the last team to win the Independence Cup and when they trot into the field, they will be hoping to be the first team to win the new cup. Against Nico United, Toronto is meeting a side which has recently gone on a shopping spree - buying new players. This could be very dangerous for Toronto because they will be meeting a relatively new team. In the past, Toronto has never had it easy against Majombolo and history might repeat itself when they meet this time around.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Notwane technical advisor Lawrence Phiri said travelling to the copper-nickel town wouldn’t be easy. “It has been very difficult to prepare for this game and we can only hope to play well if we proceed to the next stage,” he said.
Phiri said though they do not know much about their opponents, this does not mean that people should underrate their side. Notwane are blessed with talented players like the Moloi brothers Pontsho and Dirang, Jones Kwape, Keoagetse Radipotsane and Talinda Nyathi. In fine form, the Moloi brothers could prove a handful to their opponents.
Multi-talented Zebras second-choice goalkeeper Kagiso Tshelametsi is expected to make a much-awaited debut for Toronto in this game. The Mahalapye-born goalkeeper started training with his new club on Wednesday and his arrival has brought a lot of happiness amongst their supporters who have great confidence in the towering shot-stopper. It is not known whether coach Barry Daka will field Tshelametsi instead of Vincent Chikumba who has served the team well in the past years. This might possibly create a headache for the coach, as both goalkeepers are of a high standard. Though there have been reports that Jomo Bolofete might be on his way out of the Toronto camp, he is expected to be part of the team travelling to Selebi-Phikwe.
Another player who makes a return to the Toronto fold is lanky striker Kitso Kowa, who was on loan to Mochudi Centre Chiefs where he had mixed fortunes. Tlhalefang Molefhe will have to pass a late fitness test, while Benjamin Radimo is unavailable due to injury.
According to reports, Bakang Meno, Blessing Moyo and Steven Maposa who have been training with the team for sometime will not be part of the team going to the north. The trio have not been signed and their deals are expected to be finalised at the weekend. Their arrival is seen as a blessing for Toronto as their presence will add the necessary depth, especially to the midfield.
On the other hand, Majombolo has promised to give their fancy opponents a tough time. “Notwane is a good side but to play them is a motivation,” said Nico United publicity manager Etlhomilwe Raditshego. He hoped that their team would do their best to continue their good record against Toronto.
Raditshego said the fact that they are going into the game as underdogs, will motivate their side to do well. “The boys have shown promise and I urge people to come and watch quality football,” he said. His words were echoed by their newly signed goalkeeper from Township Rollers Raphael Nthwane, “we’re forced to win this game because more will be expected of us since the team has assembled good players.” Some of the players who are expected to make their debut for Majombolo are Abednico Thuthuka, Eric Molebatsi and Patrick Maletise, all signed from Tafic.
Former Red Lions goal poacher Abueng Dijogadifele and Nthwane are also expected to make much awaited debuts in front of their home supporters. Another player who could steal the limelight tomorrow is striker Geoffrey Ramadutela. He is the reason why Majombolo are in the Premier League after scoring some important goals in the First Division last season. Former Toronto star defender Toba Mothuba will man Majombolo defence.
In other games tomorrow, Young Strikers host unpredictable FC Satmos at the SSKB Stadium. At the DH Moore stadium in Orapa, Wanderers host Tasc.
In Francistown, an epic clash is on the cards when Extension Gunners visit Ecco City Green. The hosts have always given Gunners a tough time and tomorrow may not be any different. Ecco tossed Mapantsula out of last year’s edition of the Coca-Cola Cup and they will be looking forward to settling the score.
On Sunday, an entertaining double-header is billed for the National Stadium when Rollers take on national champions BDF XI in the first game at 4pm. In Popa, BDF XI is meeting a tough side that can rise to the occasion especially in front of their ecstatic supporters. Marksman Tshepiso Molwantwa and Jomo Moatlhaping are expected to lead the attack against Matebele. If his form in the Zebras colours last weekend is anything to go by, Molwantwa will give the Matebele defence a torrid time. Rollers will also rely on the individual skills of Phenyo Mongala and Lesego Molemogi to get the necessary results.
Immediately after, fallen giants Gaborone United will entertain Police XI. Only a miracle can save GU against the law enforcers who boast of a talented squad. Oliver Pikati will make a return to the Jungle Kings line-up and nothing will make him happier than scoring a goal against his former side.
At the Molepolole Sports Complex, Mogoditshane Fighters will be visitors to Flamengo Santos. The game promises to be a thrilling affair as it pits great coaches David Bright and Matshediso Kowa against each other. It is known that both coaches hate losing but by the end of the day, one of the sides would have kissed the cup goodbye. On paper, Fighters should not have a problem in sending their opponents to the cleaners.
Lastly, at the Francistown stadium, Great North Tigers (GNT) host BMC.
All the games with the exception of the double header start at 4pm.
