Elias on the spot as Orapa, Rollers clash
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday February 11, 2023 06:00
Elias swapped the orange for the blue jersey a week ago in what was the biggest coup of the January transfer window.
On Saturday afternoon, the forward could return to Itekeng Stadium where he played his football in the last three years. Elias’ much-anticipated Rollers debut could come this weekend as he has completed the registration process.
However, there is a sense of feeling within the Rollers camp that the attacker is lagging in terms of fitness.
Elias’ potential debut is a clash of two teams fancying their chances in the Botswana Premier League title chase. United are third on the log, three points behind the leaders, Gaborone United.
Rollers are placed fourth, nine adrift of the first place. The Itekeng Stadium has never been a happy hunting ground for the Blues. Rollers have won once, lost twice, and played to a draw on four occasions in their seven visits to United. A record of two victories for the home side also highlights that the tie could be tighter and the result could go either way.
The Ostriches are enjoying a rich vein of form under new coach, Taurai Mangwiro with six wins on the streak. The team has not dropped points since mid-December and cannot afford to blink as they are in sight of the top spot. The attacking duo of Omaatla Kebatho and Lemogang Maswena is expected to cause havoc for the Rollers’ defence as they have contributed a combined 22 goals in 14 games.
The duo has outscored the whole Rollers’ squad that has scored 21 goals thus far. The screws have also been a bit loose at the back for Popa, as they have conceded 12 goals in 14 games.
Rollers are now getting into their rhythm under the recently appointed, Sergio Traguil. The team ended their three-game winless run with a win over struggling Holy Ghost last weekend. Two wins in the last five games are a cause for concern for the record league champions. After scoring his sixth goal of the campaign last Saturday, forward Mogakolodi Ngele is expected to lead the Blues at the Itekeng Stadium. A win for Rollers will keep them on the tail of the leading pack while a loss could see them drop a place lower.
Meanwhile, Extension Gunners has a tough ask to end their 10-game winless streak as they take on Security Systems at the National Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Early title contenders, Jwaneng Galaxy are away to Prisons XI at the Lobatse Sports Complex.
Sua Flamingoes will be home to high-flying Masitaoka at the Sowa Town Council Stadium while Nico United and Morupule Wanderers clash at the Sam Sono Stadium. Rookies, Eleven Angels will look to upset the leaders, GU at the Molepolole Sports Complex. On Sunday afternoon, strugglers Holy Ghost and Mogoditshane Fighters battle for maximum points in a relegation six-pointer at the Molepolole Sports Complex. Police XI welcome BDF XI at the Otse Stadium. The matches will kick off at 4pm, except for televised matches which kick off at 3:30pm.