Stage set for BDF XI-Rollers epic clash
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday February 6, 2015 13:16
Both teams are champions in their own right, with BDF XI currently defending the Mascom Top 8 Cup while Rollers hold the league title.
Interestingly, BDF XI beat Rollers in the final to win the Top 8 competition and the two teams will meet again in few weeks in the semi-final of the competition.
The last time the two giants met was in a league match this season where Rollers prevailed through a solitary goal.
They meet at a time when Rollers have just lost to rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
While they remain perched at the summit of the league table, Roller no longer enjoy the three-point lead they had over Chiefs.
BDF XI will also be looking to cut the gap between them and Rollers, which is currently six points.
Having finished the first round without losing a single game, Rollers kicked the second round on a low note, losing to Police XI.
They won their next game against Extension Gunners but stumbled again last weekend against Chiefs.
They will be without head coach, Madinda Ndlovu who is still attending a coaching course in his home country, Zimbabwe.
Rollers will also be without Obonye Moswate who picked up an injury in the game against Chiefs.
Exciting midfielder, Segolame Boy is also carrying a knock according to Rollers website and shall miss the big encounter.
With Otlantshekela Mooketsi returning after recovering from injury, Tshepo Motlhabankwe is likely to move to the right back in place of Moswate with Mooketsi taking up the left back position.
New signing, Dirang Moloi is also likely to be given a run, especially that Boy will be out injured.
BDF XI on the other hand are without captain, Mompati Thuma because of suspension. Thuma has been a pillar for many seasons and was going to battle it out with former Zebras teammate, Jerome Ramatlhakwana.
The likes of hard tackler, Moreetsi Mosimanyana are expected to lead from the back as BDF XI look to take advantage of Rollers’ shaky start to the second round.
They go into the game oozing confidence following their victory over stubborn BMC last weekend.
They will pin their hopes on exciting winger, Kabelo Seakanyeng to unlock Rollers’ full backs while Master Masitara remains a threat upfront against Rollers central defenders, Simisane Mathumo and Oscar Ncenga.
In other interesting games scheduled for this weekend, Chiefs will take on Notwane at SSKB Stadium tomorrow.
Both registered wins the past weekend. Chiefs will be looking to take advantage of the disruptions that took place at Notwane camp this week after the resignation of head coach, Calvin Petersen.
The South African mentor handed his resignation on Wednesday after less than six months with the team.
Chiefs defence will have to be wary of the threat posed by skillful winger, Langa Mabuli. The diminutive winger almost single handedly ripped Gunners apart last weekend and did wonders before setting up Zebron Ndjovu for the solitary goal against Lobatse giants.
Onalethata Tshekiso on other hand will also be expected to maintain his good form for Chiefs as they seek to leapfrog Rollers at the top of the log standings.
In Selebi-Phikwe, FC Satmos square up against cross-town rivals, Nico United in the Selebi Phikwe derby.
The game could not have come at a better time than this when the two sides are both fighting for their survival in the Premier League.
Nico are currently lying in position 15 with 13 pints while Satmos are also in danger zone. They are sitting at position 12 with 17 points.