Chiefs, Rollers: New blood feud confirmed
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday July 28, 2015 13:28
On the same Saturday evening in which Nijel Amos moved ever closer to vanquishing the West’s blue eyed boy, David Rudisha, Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs also seized the opportunity to underline their status as the country’s undisputed sworn enemies. In South Africa, it does not come as close as the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs clash or the Zamalek and Al Ahly tie in Egypt.
In Botswana, in the years gone by, Chiefs were far from being a big factor, labouring to a first league title only in 2008.
Gaborone United, Extension Gunners were seen as Rollers’ genuine rivals. But since the inaugural Chiefs’ league success, there has been a vertiginous shift.
Chiefs have overtaken Gunners and GU as a team that Rollers fans would want to beat at all costs. It was evident on Saturday when the Rollers fans’ emotions rolled into the pitch after the final whistle, following a 3-2 come-from-behind win.
It was another swashbuckling display from the two rivals, which had the fans on the edge of their seats. Chiefs twice led but Rollers’ attacking midfielder, Motseletsi Sikele netted a memorable hat trick to lead his side to the charity cup glory.
However, new signing, Edwin Mokibe had a debut to forget in between the sticks for Chiefs as all the three goals could have been kept out. The former Nico United glove man appeared jittery and Sikele took full advantage with a well-taken hat trick including a finely struck free kick.
Chiefs’ second goal was also a cleverly worked master piece with the ball spread wide from the centre before Mkhanyiseli Siwahla pulled back for Mara Moloi to apply an exquisite finish. But then Rollers and Sikele took over the show and drew first blood ahead of the start of the 2015/2016 season.
The stage has already been set for other mouth-watering encounters between the two sides with their first league meeting on October 24.
Rollers coach, Mark Harrison said the encounter gave him a lot of insight into the local league. “I think Gunners were strong as well. I don’t want to take anyone for granted. Being Rollers, everyone wants to beat you and that’s the cross we carry around. Chiefs played good football, but were probably a bit tired yet it was a highly charged encounter. I expect it to be more competitive when the league resumes,” said Harrison, who joined Rollers from Zimbabwe’s Caps United last month.
His Chiefs counterpart, Mike ‘Dubula Dubala’ Sithole said he expects a fierce challenge between the two.
“Obviously, with the signing Rollers has made and that we are defending champions it is going to be interesting. However, other teams like Gunners and GU are going to be strong. It was just pre-season and about trying new combinations. Clearly both teams have depth,” he said.
Sithole added that he had not made any decision regarding guest players who featured at the weekend, including dribbling wizard, Siwahla from South Africa.