Odds against Cheetahs as Popa invade
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday February 26, 2016 16:47
The Cheetahs are rooted at the foot of the table with six points, 11 points adrift of second from bottom Motlakase Power Dynamos. While Zimbabwean, Gishon Ntini’s charges are deep in the relegation conundrum, Mark Harrison and his players have their eyes firmly fixed on a domestic sweep in his first season at the club. Township Rollers are two points clear of Orapa United at the top with 51 points.
Satmos fans have a few reasons to be fearful this weekend. Township Rollers are on a roller in both the league and cup competitions.
Rollers are fresh from a 3-1 cup demolition of traditional rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and in their last three visits to Francistown, Mapalastina have won all with convincing margins.
Popa and The Cheetahs have met on seven occasions in the league since the 2011/2012 season when Satmos gained promotion and the Phikwe side has never registered a win against the Blue Machine. In the seven games, Rollers scored 27 times and conceded six goals.
This weekend Rollers are boosted by the return of Jerome Ramatlhakwana and Segolame Boy from a suspension and injury respectively. The pair is back in contention for a start against the Premiership’s bottom side after missing Friday’s 3-1 win over Chiefs.
Rollers coach, Harrison confirmed the return of Boy and said the preparations are in order. “Boy and Jerome are back, but whether they play or not will be decided on the last day,” he said.
“Of course we have switched focus from the cup but preparations are going on as normal. This week were are focused on Satmos. Our past games against them remain in the past now we will give them the respect like all our opponents and hope we will be in the right frame.”
The Cheaters have to guard against the nightmares of their first leg meeting five months back when Popa demolished them 9-1. The Selebi-Phikwe side will be boosted by their three foreign signings who will be available for selection after their transfer clearances came through last week.
Harrison’s Satmos counterpart, Ntini said they have prepared well for the Saturday assignment. “The team is responding well. We have been working on bringing in the new boys and striking combinations. I am aware of the past fixture and I have watched Rollers play in their last game. They are a big team but we must fulfill this game, we can’t leave any stone unturned,” he said.
In the other games, second-placed Orapa United take on BR Highlanders; Miscellaneous welcome Mochudi Centre Chiefs while Extension Gunners host Police XI. Green Lovers travel to the capital to face Gaborone United while title chasing BDF X1 played Gilport Lions last night. In Selebi-Phikwe, struggling Nico United welcome Sankoyo while Jwaneng Galaxy await Motlakase in Jwaneng.