Chiefs, Orapa United in titanic clash
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday April 10, 2015 18:00
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both sides enjoying rich vein of form. Magosi are sitting at the summit of the beMOBILE Premier League table with 57 points, while The Ostriches are six points behind at position two.
With an average of five matches left, Sunday’s result could have a significant impact in the title race. Magosi are in pole position and a victory could see them open at least an eight points gap.
Orapa will be without defender, Emmanuel Nlu who is serving suspension while Mandlaenkosi Sibanda is carrying a knock.
The lanky Zimbabwean striker will have to pass the late fitness test. Sibanda has always haunted Chiefs since way back when he was still playing for ECCO City Greens. However, more focus will be on two players who have enjoyed hitting the net so far. Chiefs’ Lemponye Tshireletso and Orapa United’s Hendrick Moyo currently are top and second respectively in the goal scoring charts. Moyo has been enjoying his football since joining Orapa from BMC. Tshireletso, on the other hand, has been doing well where many strikers have failed by scoring crucial goals for the log leaders.
In an interview with Mmegi Sport, the Ostriches’ mentor, Maxwell Moyo praised his side’s good run of form and said their preparations for the encounter are going on as normal, although they have a suspension and an injury scare.
“Normally, we have a programme that we follow. The team is doing very well and that shows the programme is working for us.
“There is no need for a change because we are playing Centre Chiefs. The mood is high. The players are up there and we are looking forward to this game,” said Moyo. He also stated that they are aware of the fact that Centre Chiefs want to widen the gap, hence they are expecting fireworks.
He said the players are motivated and they will continue their hunt for results. “We beat them in the first round and they will be looking for revenge. Most importantly, they want to increase the lead.
“We are expecting a very tough game but this is football. The game is equally important for us, hence we will try harder.
“We will compete and maybe if things go well they will be surprised,” he added.
He said as much as they have done a good job of securing a top eight finish, they have to put up a fight to prove that they are an equally formidable side. “Finishing as high as possible is a motivation enough and my players are raring to go. We put ourselves in a good position and we will keep going in the same manner to cement our second position.
“God willingly if a chance to win the league presents itself, we will definitely grab it. Besides, who does not want to be a millionaire?” the usually welcoming Moyo quipped.
Efforts to get a comment from Chiefs coach, Mike Sithole proved futile as his phone rang unanswered yesterday.
In another interesting fixture, Township Rollers and BMC lock horns at SSKB Stadium on Sunday. Both teams have been inconsistent this year.
Rollers, however, managed to pull a victory in their last game against struggling side, ECCO City Greens and will be hoping that Manqoba Ngwenya and Kobamelo Kebaikanye continue to play well.
BMC on the other hand also held Chiefs to a 1-1 draw despite playing with 10 men in the second half.
The aggression and speed of national Under-23 striker, Unobatsha Mbaiwa will be key tomorrow. Gaborone United will tonight take on BDF XI in Molepolole.