GU face Gunners� revitalised juggernaut
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday August 28, 2015 15:11
Paul arrived at Gunners in the middle of last season as an assistant to South African coach, Calvin Petersen. At the time, he was also the national Under-23 coach.
Just as much as there were doubts over whether he was the right man for the Under-23 side, similar qualms were expressed when he was announced as the man to lead Gunners.
Three games into the season, many are already eating humble pie. The sneers and sniggers are disappearing as the doubters are forced to sit up straight and take a fearful notice.
This is because Paul has led Gunners to three consecutive victories and tops the log with nine points, a rare feat for a side, which has so frustratingly underachieved in recent seasons.
Tomorrow’s clash against Gaborone United (GU) however presents a formidable test for Paul and his charges. Besides awaiting to see whether Paul can showcase his tactical acumen against GU under the tutelage of another tactician, Rahman Gumbo, several other factors make this titanic battle the highlight of the week.
Before they can even face off on the field, Gunners and GU are already engaged in a fierce combat over the status of defender, Tshepo Maikano.
Both claim ownership of the player and await the Players’ Status Committee (PSC) to rule on the matter. Secondly, Dragojlo Stanojlovic who just last season was at the helm of Peleng giants is now GU’s technical director.
Whether his knowledge of Gunners’ players would benefit GU tomorrow remains to be seen. Left back, Katlego Koobake will also be facing his former team for the first time since joining the red camp recently.
GU, unlike Gunners have had a cold start to the season with just one miserly victory in three outings. A draw against FC Satmos and a loss to Orapa United has seriously put Gumbo and his charges on the back foot ahead of tomorrow’s game.
The game was originally scheduled for Lobatse Stadium, but was moved to the National Stadium tomorrow at 7pm. Gunners would be hoping experienced forward, Moemedi Moatlhaping maintains his goal scoring form tomorrow while the likes of Tshegofatso Chimuku are expected to cause havoc to GU’s full backs.
GU on the other hand need a victory to boost their campaign with Benson Shilongo as their key man. The Namibian striker has been on target despite his team only collecting four points out of a possible nine.
Defending champions, Mochudi Centre Chiefs hope to return to winning ways when they take on Gilport Lions at Molepolole Sports Complex tonight.
Lions have lost all their three games despite their squad boasting some experienced players.
Chiefs are still reeling from their shock 2-1 loss to Sankoyo Bush Bucks last weekend. Township Rollers are away to BR Highlanders in Serowe with the 3-1 loss they suffered at the hands of the Mahalapye team last season still fresh in their minds.