Rollers seek to sustain title charge
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday April 17, 2014 13:53
Mapalastina are four points away from winning their 11th league title with two games remaining. They lead the pack with a three-point gap ahead of BDF XI and Gaborone United (GU) who are tied in second spot. Against Gunners, Rollers face a tricky side that has proved beyond reasonable doubt that they are no pushovers.
They already have psychological advantage, having claimed Rollers’ scalp twice in the last two meetings.
The first was in the Kabelano Charity tournament last year where Gunners won 1-0. They won by the same score line in the first round of the league in a game that marked the opening of the National Stadium in Gaborone.
However, Rollers will be boosted by the fact that Gunners maybe distracted by the decision of the Botswana Premier League (BPL) to move their home game to Selebi-Phikwe. Gunners were initially scheduled to host Rollers at the New Lobatse Stadium.
The match was moved to Selebi-Phikwe following violence in Gunners clash with Gaborone United at the stadium last weekend.
Though they lost, the violence-marred match, Gunners dished out some exciting football. They paid dearly for missed chances when Gunners scored twice to win the match.
A lot has changed at Gunners since they last met Rollers. They have changed the coaching team twice this season.
Gunners still harbor ambitions of finishing in the top eight, while Rollers want to win the title. If they beat Gunners and their title rivals also win, Rollers will need a draw in their last match against Miscellaneous to become champions. Rollers captain, Sekhana Koko and Kobamelo Kebaikanye seem to have hit form at the right time and will once again spearhead the search for goals against Gunners.
They have scored in the last two matches to boost their team’s chances of lifting the title. At the back, Oscar Ncenga and his men must closely guard Gunners’ striker, Pako Modikwa. The forward can be very dangerous when given space.
The other title contenders, BDF XI take on ECCO City Greens at SSKB Stadium while GU host Miscellaneous at Molepolole Sports Complex. Victories for both BDF XI and GU will keep pressure on Rollers and will set up a grand finale to the league.
Against Gunners, GU tried different combinations with Obonwe Maome starting on the right wing while Tumisang Sekanonyane returned at left back. Maome struggled and GU failed to create enough scoring opportunities until he was replaced by seasoned winger, Mandla Mgadla, in the second half. They face Miscellaneous who have been on a losing streak and low on confidence. However, Miscellaneous know the importance of winning the match as they are fighting to avoid relegation. They could kiss the Premier League goodbye this weekend if they lose and other relegation candidates win.
ECCO have also not been doing well and recently suspended coach, Atshele Molapi. They managed to come back against Orapa United last weekend to force a 2-2 draw. However, against BDF XI, they face a side that just like Rollers and GU, are in the hunt for the league title.
In other games today (Friday), BMC take on Motlakase Power Dynamos at the New Lobatse Stadium. Tomorrow, relegated TAFIC host Nico United in Francistown, while Uniao Flamengo Santos lock horns with Orapa United in Molepolole. Police XI take on Notwane at SSKB Stadium.
On Sunday, Mochudi Centre Chiefs meet FC Satmos in Molepolole. All games kick off at 3:30 pm. Chiefs’ title dream will be shattered if they drop points against Satmos. They trail Rollers by four points with two games remaining.