The home defeat turned Gunners into a laughing stock in soccer circles for almost two weeks. Though the Lobatse team tried to make amends during the second round, they only managed a goalless draw against Toronto. But during the Kabelano Charity Cup, Gunners had the last laugh, narrowly beating Notwane 1-0 in an entertaining encounter. To many, the Charity Cup victory meant nothing to Notwane as their opponents went on to lose to a fired up Township Rollers.
Since the Lobatse massacre, Gunners supporters have always felt that their team has a score to settle with Notwane.
Ahead of their eagerly awaited meeting on Sunday, Toronto has once again emerged as favourites to beat Gunners. Defender Ross Motswagae conceded that though they beat Notwane in the Kabelano Cup, they still have a score to settle. He agreed that the 7-2 defeat was too painful and their opponents have to pay for it. “I think it’s going to be tough out there but we have to come tops at the end of the day,” he said.
Unfortunately for the Lobatse side, they meet Notwane at a time when they have internal squabbles. Gunners have had a string of unconvincing results coupled with the departure of coach Daniel “Chicco” Nare to Lobatse neighbours BMC. By their standards, Gunners have failed their supporters. Pundits say the team that Gunners have is weak. Though the team has some talented players, their main undoing has been inexperience. While the experienced Teenage Tsalaile and Thatayaone Bagoleng have been brought in, the Gunners goalkeeping department is the weakest link. Both Isaiah Mothupi and Ali Moremi have been a disappointment. The problem is likely to haunt Gunners until the next transfer window. The absence of captain Tshepo Motlhabankwe who is suspended might create more headaches for Gunners.
Fresh from the 2-0 victory over BMC last Saturday, Notwane will be inspired to get a double over Lobatse sides when they meet Gunners. The Moloi brothers, Pontsho and Dirang are likely to pose a threat to the Lobatse giants like they did last season. Hardworking midfielder, Keoagetse Radipotsane is another Notwane star in the making. He is capable of scoring goals from range.
At the SSKB Stadium, rejuvenated Centre Chiefs host second-placed Prisons XI. The game was initially set for March 16 at the National Stadium under floodlights but was brought forward because of the Zebras-Zimbabwe friendly match on the same day in Bulawayo. If the performance of Chiefs against Uniao Flamengo Santos last Sunday is anything to go by, Prisons XI must be prepared for a hard time.
Chiefs go into the game with striker Zacharia Muzadzi in top form and Burundian goalkeeper, Khalid Niyonzima might be very busy in Prisons XI goal. After the unexpected defeat by Township Rollers, Prisons XI will have to regroup in time for the fight against Chiefs. An interesting battle is shaping up between deadly Prisons XI striker, Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Chiefs’ international defender, Pius Kolagano. All games start at 4pm.
