Title hunt heightens Rollers, Chiefs' rivalry
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday April 11, 2025 08:58
These are two sides that dominated the domestic scene between 2010 and 2019. The pair will clash at the National Stadium in a late Sunday 6pm kick-off. It is a rivalry that has been watered down a bit following Chiefs' relegation to the second tier in 2019. The team's return has seen their competition re-ignited but the 0-0 draw in the first round failed to give neither camp the bragging rights. The Sunday's tie needs to produce a winner as per the feel from fans of both camps. The two teams are aware that maximum points will do them a huge favour in their pursuit for league honours. Both Rollers and Chiefs are part of an exciting six-horse title race. Popa are slightly in a better position as they sit fourth and two points behind joint log leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United (GU). Magosi are not far off, sitting five points behind the leaders and three points adrift of Rollers in position five.
A win will see Chiefs leapfrog over their weekend's opponents by virtue of a superior goal difference. The Blues on the other hand, will try to keep chase with the leading pair after falling behind by two points in the midweek. Despite being a tightly contested fixture, Rollers have a slight advantage over Chiefs. Popa have won nine of the 20 meetings between the two teams whilst the tie has ended in a stalemate on six occasions as Magosi collected five wins. It is a tie that has not been short of goals with an average of 2.95 per tie.
Chiefs' head coach, Pontsho Moloi has a better record against Rollers as a coach during his time with Popa's cross town rivals, GU. Meanwhile, leaders Jwaneng Galaxy welcome Extension Gunners at the Galaxy Stadium on Saturday. Still on Saturday afternoon, VTM FC and Orapa United meet at the VTM Arena whilst Uniao Flamengo Santos take on TAFIC at the GU Stadium. Sua Flamingoes are in Francistown where Chadibe FC lie in wait at the Francistown Council Stadium whilst embattled Security Systems and BDF XI battle for three points at the Royal Aria Stadium. Nico United travel down south to take on Matebele FC at the GU Stadium in a 7pm kick off. On Sunday, Gaborone United will eye revenge against unpredictable Morupule Wanderers. All afternoon games kick-off at 3.30pm.