Teasing run-in for title chasing trio
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday March 11, 2016 12:29
Township Rollers
Remaining fixtures: Extension Gunners, Miscellaneous, Chiefs, Police XI, Green Lovers, Orapa United
Rollers lead the pack but face a tricky six weeks with unpredictable fixtures on the way. Whether the loss to Gaborone United (GU) last weekend was a wake up call or a start of a bad spell could be confirmed in the next two league fixtures. With rivals, Chiefs breathing heavily on their necks, Rollers’ mental strength will be tested in the remaining games.
Advantages: Rollers’ main strength this season has been their depth.
They have been able to rotate their players well without showing any signs of divisions in the team. Most of their players are winners and have been in this situation before. Of all the other title chasing sides, Rollers are the only team that can afford to miss about three key players and still be able to compete. They have been the hardest team to prepare for since they change their line-up every game.
Disadvantages: Off the field battles could take them off the rail.
Verdict: The title is theirs to lose since they are in the lead, but one more slip up could see them chasing the race. They have a healthy goal difference as compared to other title contenders, which also gives them a slight advantage at least up to this end.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs
Remaining fixtures: Police XI, Green Lovers, Rollers, BDF XI, Nico United, Galaxy
The defending champions find themselves in familiar territory with six games remaining. They wrestled the title from Rollers last season in an almost similar fashion, coming from behind with brutal power. The 1-0 win over Orapa United was enough to remind other contenders of what happened last season.
They have reduced the gap to two points between them and log leaders.
Advantages: Resilience - Except for two seasons ago when they finished fourth in the league, Chiefs have always been a title contender ever since they first won the league in 2008.
They know how to chase until the last game. Their game against Rollers could determine whether they win the league or fall further behind.
Disadvantages: While they have a relatively good squad with a mixture of youngsters and experienced campaigners, Chiefs looks thin, especially upfront with one main striker at the moment.
The departure of Kekaetswe Moloi to Gunners could prove too costly, especially with Tshekiso nursing an injury. They have been too reliable on midfielders, Lemponye Tshireletso and Tendai Nyumasi for goals.
Verdict: Like Rollers, the title is in their hands either to win or lose. A victory against Rollers could be their route to the title.
Orapa United
Remaining games: BR Highlanders, Motlakase, Police XI, Sankoyo Bush Bucks, Green Lovers, Gilport Lions, Rollers Orapa United’s loss to Chiefs last weekend put a dent on their race for the title and now trail by five points. However, they have a game in hand which if they win, they will draw level with Chiefs and just two points behind Rollers.
Strengths: Under-dog tag - this could work to their advantage with bitter rivals, Rollers and Chiefs busy trying to out-do each other. Of all the other contenders, Orapa United’s remaining games should be much easier if the Premier League log is anything to go by. Only two teams in their remaining seven games are in the top 8 bracket.
Disadvantages: The Ostriches have never won the league before and could work to either Rollers’ or Chiefs’ advantage.
The two giants know what is needed at this stage.
However in Madinda Ndlovu, they have a coach who has won the title three times and could use his experience to motivate his soldiers.
Verdict: With relatively easier fixtures, four of which will be home games, they stand a very good chance.