Blood rivals Gunners, Rollers clash
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday February 28, 2025 14:02
Despite the two not being direct rivals, the fixture has on occasion evoked emotions amongst the fans and intensity has at times turned into violence. The two teams command a huge following and this Saturday afternoon, the Lobatse Sports Complex is expecting a large audience. The stakes are high ahead of the clash with Rollers looking to put their title chase back on track. Gunners on the other hand are finding some form and look to move further away from the relegation positions. A stampede in 2011 at the Molepolole Sports Complex spoilt the clash as a big crowd was stuck outside the stadium before the set kick-off time. Despite a 45-minute delay, the fans from the two teams clashed resulting in bloody scenes. Five years after the 2011 incident, fans of the two teams clashed again at the Lobatse Sports Complex in March 2016 in a league tie. The two incidents evoke memories of 2007 as Gunners' home base decried a late penalty call in Rollers' 2-1 win.
The call, which resulted in Rollers' win, incited a clash between the two fan bases. Ahead of this weekend's clash, the two camps hope to do battle on the field of play. Gunners are enjoying life with a new investor having moved from the relegation zone and are now in 10th spot, just two points above the top half. Since the Christmas break, Mapantsola have lost only once and that was at the hands of defending champions, Jwaneng Galaxy. In eight games, Gunners have played to a draw on four occasions and managed three wins in consecutive matches. Their last win came in midweek as Gunners edged struggling Uniao Flamengo Santos 1-0. The team is not as rested as their weekend's opponents. But the two weeklong break could disadvantage Rollers. The Blues' last league was two weeks ago as action was postponed due to flooding in some parts of the country last weekend.
In their last game, Rollers suffered a shock defeat away to Morupule Wanderers and surrendered the league lead to TAFIC. Popa are just a point away from the leaders and would be wary of the threat posed by TAFIC and second placed, Galaxy as league games run out. The Blues have dominated the tie with 16 wins compared to Gunners' two since August 2010. They have played to a draw six times with Rollers having the most goals, finding the back of the net 48 times compared to Gunners' 18 goals. In the last encounter, Rollers won 4-1 and Gunners last won the fixture more than a decade ago, in March 2013. In the other games, TAFIC are home at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium as they face a stern assignment against Sua Flamingoes. Orapa United welcome Matebele FC at the Itekeng Stadium whilst Gaborone United face Santos at the GU Stadium. Security Systems face a visit from league chasing Jwaneng Galaxy at the Royal Aria Stadium. Morupule Wanderers and Nico United clash at the Palapye Stadium. Sunday's only FNB Premiership fixture tie sees BDF XI against Mochudi Centre Chiefs at the Royal Aria Stadium. All the games kick off at 4pm.