The gladiators in the title race
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday March 28, 2014 15:40
Township Rollers
Rollers are currently occupying top spot with 53 points from 25 games. Compared to last season, it is a vast improvement for a team which finished eighth. Following their Mascom Top 8 success in the 2011-2012 season, Rollers were expected to go for the league title last season but parted ways with Mike Sithole and replaced him with Darlington Dodo.
Things did not go well and Dodo was fired in the second round with Sithole returning on a temporary basis.
He could only secure them a top eight finish. A lot has changed at the club this season with the arrival of a completely new technical team. Madinda Ndlovu returned together with Zechariah Mudzazi, Teenage Mpote and goalkeeper coach, Joseph Maposa. Before their arrival, Rollers lost two long serving players, Onalethata Tshekiso and Edwin Olerile to Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Gaborone United (GU). A total of 14 new players came at the start of the season although some have left.
The new technical team and players seem to have led Rollers’ revival this season. Ndlovu and Mudzazi came to the team just after winning the league for the second successive time with Chiefs. They took the team to the final of the Mascom Top Eight where they lost to BDF XI. Rollers are just two points ahead of BDF XI in the title race and three ahead of third placed Chiefs. In the last five matches, Rollers won thrice and drew twice. They face a stern test tomorrow against BMC, claimed the scalp of another title chasing side, GU. Any slip up could see them lose top spot.
BDF XI
BDF XI are oozing with confidence after their Mascom Top Eight success. They seem to have continued where they left last season when they showed great improvement in the second round and finished third. This season, they proved they can go all the way to challenge for top honours. Despite being docked six points for taking football matters to court, BDF XI never gave up on the title.
They would have accumulated 57 points by now and topped the log if they were not docked. The arrival of tactician, Elijah Chikwanda has vastly improved the performance of left back, Otlantshekela Mooketsi.
The defender is arguably the best performer in the league this season. He is one of the reasons why Matebele are now chasing a double. The team has won four of their last five games and drew one against BMC. They take on Extension Gunners at New Lobatse Stadium tomorrow before they host another relegation threatened side, Miscellaneous.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs
Chiefs have accumulated 50 points and will be away to TAFIC in Francistown tomorrow. It has been a roller coaster ride for the defending champions this season. At some point, they were cruising to a third successive league title. However, they went through a rough patch and surrendered the lead to both Rollers and BDF XI. GU later leapfrogged them but Magosi now seems to have found their rhythm after the return of Mike Sithole as head coach. He is yet to lose since his arrival.
Gaborone United
Considering that they with coach David Bright who was in charge last season, GU have performed relatively below par although they are still in the race for the title. They finished fourth last season. Moyagoleele have not only retained their squad, they have added quality players including Edwin Olerile and Willie Gaotewe. They have arguably the best squad in the league but trail log leaders, Rollers, by five points. The loss against BMC last Saturday dented their chances. They are now hoping that Chiefs, Rollers and BDF XI drop points in the remaining games. This weekend, GU take on Police XI who will be without their coach and his assistant. Sthanda Mogwadi and Maitumelo Letlaamoreng have been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.