Injured Mafoko leaves void at Rollers

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday February 13, 2009 00:00

 

Mafoko was one of the most outstanding players at the heart of Rollers' defence against BMC. It is expected that either Kgomari Mothuba or Oscar Ncenga makes his return to the starting line up in place of Mafoko.

The duo missed games against Notwane and ECCO City Greens due to suspension after receiving marching orders in one of the games to remember against TAFIC last month.

Both were sent off for rough tackles in a game that also saw TAFIC's veteran defender Lovemore Mokgweetsi also receiving a straight red card. Striker Onalethata Tshekiso, who scored a brilliant goal against BMC, will miss the match after being red carded soon after scoring the goal.

Although many questioned the referee's decision to send Tshekiso off the field last Sunday, chairman of Referees' Commission Harris Lebotse has explained the reason for the move. He said that according to the match report, Tshekiso was sent off for making abusive (provocative) gestures against opposition supporters when celebrating his goal.

He said that in cases where two offences, like where Tshekiso removed his shirt (in celebration) and used abusive gesture - were simultaneously committed, they normally go for the severe one (abusive gesture). 

Mmegi Sport managed to watch Mapalastina in training on Wednesday and all the players except Mafoko were available. Bernard Semakwezi, who was reportedly linked to traditional rivals, Gaborone United (GU) before the transfer window closed, was working hard in training and seemed happy. It remains to be seen whether he will get a chance to win back the support of Mapalastina fans. He has not been seeing much action this season as only three foreign players are allowed in a team per match.  The arrival of Mohammed Chawila, Terrence Mandaza and Timothy Phiri saw his chances of playing diminish especially that the trio have been doing extremely well.

Fighters on the other hand are still trying to recover from the 4-2 mauling by Extension Gunners last Saturday. Fighters' performance has of late been consistent. They seem to gain confidence with each game they play. Rollers know very well that underrating Fighters could have disastrous consequences. Fighters caused a big upset last season when they defeated Mapalastina 1-0 at the UB Stadium.

In that game, Fighters did not only register an important victory but also gave out a sterling performance for the entire game.