Unbeaten Orapa face Rollers test
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 3, 2023 10:01
The venue has previously hosted thrilling meets between the two sides and fireworks are expected once again on Saturday. United and Rollers are among the early pace setters after the first five rounds. The Ostriches will look to guard their unbeaten record as they take on the Blues tomorrow afternoon. United remain the only undefeated side in the league and despite a slow start, they are getting on the right gear. The team started off with two draws but won their last three games. United has collected 11 points as they sit second just a point behind leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy. The team is still shy in front of goals and head coach, Taurai Mangwiro, would be worried as United has scored only six goals in five games while conceding three times. However, it is a game that Rollers' blue corner should win. From a blistering start, Popa has not won in the last two games. Rollers have not found the back of the net in those matches. The Blues are third on the log with 10 points, a point behind their weekend's opponents. The team, however, should not be taken lightly despite their recent struggles, as they are the highest scoring team with 10 goals while they only conceded on two occasions.
Team news
Orapa The team is without Lemogang Maswena and goalkeeper, Lesenya Malepa, through injuries.
Rollers The team has been hit by injuries in the past few weeks, as Innocent Morapedi is yet to have a fully fit squad since the start of the season. Skipper, Simisane Mathumo has added to the team's injury woes as he is ruled out for at least a month. Rollers' injury list also includes Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele, Obonwe Maome, Edwin Moalosi and youngster Tlotlo Kgaolo.
Previous encounters The fixture has produced 17 thrillers before and tomorrow's tie will be the 18th meeting between the two sides. The Blues have dominated the fixture after the two teams first met in 2014. Rollers have seven wins compared to Ostriches' four. Rollers, however, have only won a single game at the Itekeng Stadium with United winning on two occasions at home. Despite being the superior of the two in the tie, Rollers have five away goals as United has netted seven times at home. A total of 44 goals have been scored in the 17 games played. Rollers walked away 2-1 winners the last time the two teams met.
Form guide
Orapa D-D-W-W-W
Rollers W-W-W-L-D
What you need to know Venue: Itekeng Stadium Ticket prices: P30 Venue capacity: 5,000 Projected weather conditions: Sunny with temperatures at a maximum of 31 degrees Celsius and there is a 20% chance of rain. Humidity is at 39% and wind to blow at 24km/h. Gates open: 12noon Kick-off: 4pm
Rest of the weekend's fixtures On Saturday afternoon, Sua Flamingoes will look to bounce back from a midweek defeat as they welcome Nico United at the Sowa Town Stadium. TAFIC and Security Systems meet at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium while Jwaneng Galaxy are home to Police XI at the Galaxy Stadium. Eleven Angels travel down south to take on VTM FC at the VTM Arena. Masitaoka will face the BDF XI test at the Lobatse Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon. After suffering their first defeat of the season in midweek, rookies Matebele FC take on former champions Gaborone United at the National Stadium. Holy Ghost and Morupule Wanderers face off at the VTM Arena. All the games kick off at 4pm.