Gunners, Chiefs take rivalry to new turf
Chakalisa Dube | Friday September 18, 2015 18:00
Gunners coach, Pio Paul hopes the shift would break Mapantsula’s poor record against the defending beMOBILE Premiership champions, Chiefs.
Gunners, are the hosts and are likely to reap rich from the turnstiles. Statistics show that Gunners have struggled against their opponents who have dominated the modern Premiership. Gunners have lost two of their four fixtures played in the last two seasons. Mapantsula only managed a slender 1-0 victory against Chiefs and a draw in the last four meetings. Gunners have scored twice and conceded six in the four meetings under review.
This time around Gunners would fancy their chances against Magosi as they have had a promising start to the season with only one loss in six matches. The Lobatse side is third with 13 points while Chiefs are two positions and two points adrift.
It has not been one of their best starts in recent years with three wins, two draws and a loss.
Gunners are up against an attacking team and have at times proved vulnerable at the back. Paul’s charges have conceded five goals compared to Chiefs’ three. Out of the five, Gunners let in three against Orapa United. Both sides boast an array of match winners. Chiefs have the likes of marksman Kekaetswe Mara Moloi and Tendai Nyumasi who have shown elements of good form this season. Both Nyumasi and Moloi have contributed six of the 11 goals scored by Chiefs this season. Chiefs also have dangerous attacking midfielder Dirang Moloi, who marked his return with a match winner against FC Satmos a week ago. For Gunners, the likes of forward Jomo Moatlhaping and utility midfielder Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile may prove to be the players to watch tomorrow. After struggling for consistency last season, Moatlhaping has hit form that catapulted him to stardom a few years ago.
The former Zebras striker relies heavily on his aerial strength. Against Chiefs he may struggle because the Kgatleng giants have defenders such as Keabetswe Jenamiso who can effectively deal with aerial threats. Moatlhaping has scored three goals while former Lobatse Stars man, Ntwaetsile, has found the back of the net twice.
Chiefs coach, Mike Sithole said he expects an open game. “I expect an open game because of the styles of the two teams. My approach to this game will be to attack because we want maximum points.”
Sithole said that only defender Charles Mutero is out injured.
“I plead with our supporters to attend the match in numbers because it will be one of the biggest matches to be played in Francistown. The pitch is open and will allow players to express themselves freely. Supporters will see a very entertaining game,” he said.
Paul on the other hand said his team is 100% prepared for the game. “I am aware of our poor record against Chiefs but this time around I have assembled a good team, which has a lot of determination.
I am confident that we will win because we know their weakness. You should not forget that prior to playing GU this season we had not beaten them (GU) in many years, but we defeated them,” he said.
Kemmy Pilato and Pako Modikwa will miss tomorrow’s match due to injury.