Rollers, BDF XI headline start of second round
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday December 11, 2015 14:58
When the two giants met in the first round, Rollers prevailed 4-1 in a highly entertaining clash played under floodlights. BDF XI however recovered and have been doing relatively well under new coach, Beston Chambeshi.
They sit in position four with 29 points. Rollers are perched at the top despite a 0-0 draw with Orapa United last Sunday.
They maintained their five-point gap between them and second placed side, Orapa United. Both BDF XI and Rollers go into the match missing key figures because of injuries and suspensions.
Rollers are without their leading goals scorer, Segolame Boy, who injured his ankle in the game against Police XI.
Rollers are also without head coach, Mark Harrison, who is serving a two-match ban after being sent off last Sunday in Orapa. Assistant coach, Teenage Mpote is in charge. BDF XI are missing influential defender, Mosha Gaolaolwe, who is serving suspension following his sending off in the game against Police XI a fortnight ago.
BDF XI coach, Beston Chambeshi admitted they will miss Gaolaolwe who has been instrumental at the back.
They will also be without goalkeeper, Mwampule Masule, because of the arrangement they have with Rollers over the player. Masule is on a season-long loan from Rollers and the two teams agreed that the player should not face his parent club.
“Rollers are a good team and have been doing well.
My boys have been working very hard at training. We have been going through the process of building the team and they understand my philosophy now,” Chambeshi said yesterday.
An interesting battle is on the cards in the heart of the midfield. BDF XI have captain, Bonolo Phuduhudu and Malawian midfielder, Bitwell Phiri, who have been solid this season.
Rollers have Lawrence Majawa, who was named the Botswana Premier League (BPL) player of the month. He will once again partner his captain, Maano Ditshupo, in the middle.
On the wings, Rollers once again have abundance of talent with the likes of Kobamelo Kebaikanye, Joel Mogorosi, Sekhana Koko and Gofaone Tiro competing for a starting berth. BDF XI are also dangerous on the wings with Kabelo Seakanyeng and Keeagile Kobe both capable of unlocking any defence. Kickoff is at 4pm.
Tonight in Selebi-Phikwe, struggling FC Satmos host Orapa United. Troubled BR Highlanders will be at home to Mochudi Centre Chiefs in Serowe. Both games kick off at 7pm. Chiefs will be looking to continue their march to the top following their 2-1 win over Jwaneng Galaxy last weekend.
Captain Pontsho Moloi will again lead by example. The skillful attacker has received a major morale booster ahead of the tie after being announced as the November beMOBILE Player of the Month. He becomes the second player to win it after Segolame Boy won it three times in a row.