Bogey sides to test GU, Rollers resolve
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday April 9, 2022 06:00
GU and Rollers are toe-to-toe for the 2021-2022 Botswana Premier League honours with the Reds four points ahead of the Blues and have a cushion of playing a game less. The two teams will this weekend look to increase their chances of laying hands on the coveted trophy, but they face stern test in ties to be played on Sunday afternoon.
GU will take on fourth-placed, BDF XI at the National Stadium in a tie that is expected to produce sparks. Matebele has over the seasons proven to be Moyagoleele’s bogey side. In the last 20 meetings between the pair, BDF XI has won seven, compared to six for GU in a contest dominated by stalemates of late. The Reds won their tie in December 2018 while BDF XI won the recent contest in December 2021. At the time, Matebele were the first team to down GU this season.
The Reds will be seeking revenge to ensure a smooth path to the title in their last six games. It is a contrast in the style of play between the two sides. The Reds enjoy domination in their games and showed their attacking prowess this season having scored the most goals, with 54 and only failed to find the back of the net once in their 1-0 loss to Rollers.
The army boys on the other end rely on catching their opponents on the break. Letang ‘Rasta’ Kgengwenyane has deployed the strategy against big teams and is expected to be implemented on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, at the Serowe Sports Complex, 13th-placed Mahalapye Railway Highlanders lie in wait for Rollers. Memories of the 2-1 loss against Highlanders in 2016 will be lingering on the Rollers’ mind ahead of the tie. Highlanders have proven to be Rollers' voodoo side, and have in the past stumbled Popa in the run to the title. However, Popa has in recent years dominated the tie but will know their opponents should not be taken lightly. Kabo Dintwa’s side has found some form since the start of the second round of league games.
The team was without a win in the first round but has since won four of the nine games played in the second round. Popa are recovering from a shock 1-0 loss to Masitaoka and would be hoping to put their title race back on track. In other games tomorrow, Orapa United welcome Sua Flamingoes at the Itekeng Stadium. Nelson Olebile will make his Mogoditshane Fighters debut as he visits Police XI at the Otse Stadium while relegation-threatened Gilport face Morupule Wanderers at the National Stadium.
Masitaoka will battle for maximum points against Notwane at the VTM Arena while the Lobatse Sports Complex will be home to a tie between Jwaneng Galaxy and Prisons XI. On Sunday afternoon, Extension Gunners host Security Systems at the Lobatse Sports Complex. All the weekend’s games kick off at 3.30pm.