Charging Ostriches eye Rollers’ scalp
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday March 3, 2023 11:29
The game comes just a week after the Ostriches ran riot over Rollers’ city rivals, Gaborone United (GU) routing them 4-2 in a game that threw the title race wide open. The victory over GU put them level on points with the defending champions and five behind log leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy. Mangwiro’s charges are yet to taste defeat this year and the last time they lost a match was on December 17 when they went 2-1 down to Sua Flamingoes. Tomorrow’s encounter against Rollers will now be played under floodlights. The kick-off for match was initially set for 3.30pm but has been moved to 7pm because of the unavailability of the facility in the afternoon.
The Ostriches will once again rely on its attacking power that includes Lemogang Maswena and Omaatla Kebatho. The latter in particular has taken this season by storm, scoring almost in every match and is the leading goal scorer with 15 goals. Rollers on the other hand are facing a difficult time both on and off the field. They sit in position four and have only won twice this year with six other matches ending in a stalemate. Rollers new gaffer, Daniel Moniz Traguil has tried to play around different systems and combinations but the results have remained the same. Their weaknesses have been upfront where they scored only 24 times this season. They recently signed former Zebras striker, Mbatshi Elias who is expected to face his former teammates tomorrow night. Both Orapa United and Rollers met three weeks ago at Itekeng Stadium in a game that ended 1-1. Kebatho had given the hosts a lead late in the second half but Rollers equalised in the last minute of the game through defender, Mosha Gaolaolwe. A loss for Rollers will all but rule them out of contention while Orapa United’s win will keep their first ever league title dream alive.
In other matches to be played tomorrow, log leaders, Galaxy will eye another extended unbeaten run when they take on struggling side, Prisons XI at the Galaxy Stadium. The one-time national champions are the only side in the league yet to register a loss and have scored a whooping 42 goals. Coach Morena Ramoreboli seems to have built a side that is ready to challenge for all the silverware on offer with Namibian striker, Wendell Rudath currently banging goals. Last season’s top golden boot winner, Thabang Sesinyi has also maintained his form, posing a threat to the Warders’ defense that has conceded 28 goals this season. Defending champions, GU hope to bounce back to winning ways but face a tricky away encounter against Eleven Angels at the Francistown Council Stadium. The Reds have now failed to win their last three matches, which include the 1-1 draw against Angels. The latter on the other hand will go into the match oozing with confidence following their 3-2 midweek victory against Masitaoka away in Molepolole. Extension Gunners’ problems appear far from over both on and off the field and face Security System at the Lobatse Sports Complex. The Peleng giants are rooted at the bottom of the log.
The first round encounter between the two sides ended 3-0 in favour of Systems. Off the field, Gunners have once again found themselves in hot soup with the world’s football governing body. They face suspension from signing any new players after failing to meet their contractual obligations with one of their players, Desire Bafana. In Molepolole, Masitaoka host Sua Flamingoes. On Sunday, Morupule Wanderers take on Nico United while Mogoditshane Fighters and Holy Ghost face-off in Molepolole. On Sunday, BDF XI and Police XI will lock horns at the Lobatse Sports Complex.