Unresolved Chiefs, Rollers battle goes north
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday February 19, 2016 14:54
The two giants face off at the Francistown Sports Complex for the first time since it opened doors last year in what is expected to be a sold out match.
They last met in the first round of the league where Rollers emerged 3-2 victors.
So much has changed since they last met. Chiefs this time will be without striker, Kekaetswe Moloi who is angling for a move to Extension Gunners. Chiefs have since brought in new exciting players in Thato Kebue and Arnold Mampori who have been doing well since joining last month.
Rollers, on the other hand, have lost Carl Finnigan who was all over Chiefs’ defence in the 3-2 league victory. They have since brought in Zebras midfielder, Ofentse Nato who is expected to play a critical role in the middle. They have also signed Terrence Mandaza, who is yet to make an appearance as he awaits his work permit.
“We have not done very well in this competition and Rollers has been one of the reasons for that failure so we are going for revenge. They eliminated us in the semi-finals two seasons ago,” Chiefs spokesperson, Clifford Mogomotsi said yesterday.
In that encounter, Rollers won the first leg 3-2 before Chiefs tried to come back in the second leg.
It was not enough though for Chiefs despite winning 2-1 in the second leg. Rollers advanced by an away goal rule.
“Everyone knows what happened in that second leg where a controversial penalty was awarded to them. We are determined to go through this time around,” he said.
Rollers said they are ready for the titanic battle.
“The mood is high and the boys are raring to go. Segolame Boy returns for this encounter and we expect Mandaza’s permit to be ready in time for the game,” Rollers spokesperson, Bafana Pheto said. The two teams left Gaborone for the second city yesterday.
Both teams are enjoying a rich vein of form in the league. Rollers lead the standings while Chiefs are just five points behind. Magosi, as the hosts, will have to be at their best to avoid conceding away goals. Rollers have proved to be a high scoring team with 52 league goals scored already. Chiefs have also turned a corner as far as scoring goals is concerned with midfielders, Lemponye Tshireletso and Tendai Nyumasi leading by example. The cup has eluded Chiefs since its inception.
An interesting duel is expected in the middle of the park where both sides have talent in abundance. Rollers have been enjoying the partnership of Lawrence Majawa and captain, Maano Ditshupo. The arrival of Nato gives coach, Mark Harrison a healthy selection headache ahead of the clash. He was given a run towards the end of the match against Gilport Lions last Sunday. Rollers will be without Jerome Ramatlhakwana who will be serving suspension. Chiefs, on the other hand, have Mampori in the defensive midfield role alongside Lesego Galenamotlhale with Nyumasi on the offensive. Kickoff is at 8pm.