Youngsters to settle Rollers-Notwane clash?

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday October 23, 2009 00:00

 

The titanic clash is expected to kick off at 7.30pm.
The two sides together with Uniao Flamengo Santos have some of the best young talent in the league. Rollers boast exciting young talent like midfielder, Edwin Moalosi who rose to stardom after joining Popa from BMC two seasons ago.

Despite not securing a regular berth in the starting line up, Moalosi has remained a key member of the squad. Another young player who could be a match winner for Rollers tonight is striker, Aubrey Kebonnetse who has started this season on a high. Unlike Moalosi, Kebonnetse has been a bit player in the last few seasons but coach Rahman Gumbo believes the youngster is ready to deliver. He gave him a rare start in Rollers' opening game against Extension Gunners and the Under-20 striker is repaying the coach's faith. Last season, he had to compete for regular action with established strikers like Bernard Semakwezi, Terrence Mandaza, Onalethata Tshekiso and Mohammed Chawila.

The departure of Semakwezi seems to have given Kebonnetse a well-deserved opportunity. He is once again expected to start up front with Mandaza as Tshekiso is away on national duty with the Zebras in the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

For the past few seasons, Notwane has been relying on young players and many have attributed the club's decline to inexperience. The Gaborone giants have been a victim of local football's weak player transfer regulations. Toronto have groomed some of the best players in the league only to lose them for a song to other clubs with Mochudi Centre Chiefs as the major beneficiaries. Magosi lured the likes of Pontsho Moloi, Gobonyeone Selefa who is now at Gaborone United (GU) and recently Dirang Moloi from Notwane. This crippled Toronto before Chiefs went on a rampage again and plucked one of the team's longest-serving players, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng during the last transfer window. However, Notwane are undaunted. They have not abandoned football development from the grassroots level. Toronto still boast some of the best young players in the league. Many had predicted that GU will thrash Notwane in their first league game after the departure of Mpoeleng but the youthful side stood firm and held the champions to a draw.

Players like Galagwe Moyana who was constantly linked to other big clubs in the last transfer window will be key for Notwane tonight and the entire season. Former Naughty Boys player, Kgaodi 'Deco' Odirile is another youngster who is expected to carry the heavy burden of leading Toronto to glory. Interestingly, the two youngsters were both turned away by Rollers during the last transfer window.

The difference between the two sides this season has been that Rollers have made a perfect start while Notwane could not improve on the performance of their first game of the season against Gaborone United (GU) and are yet to win. They have two points from three games. Judging by current form, Rollers who top the standings, can easily run riot but Notwane have proved that they are an unpredictable side especially in big games.

Rollers seem to have found the scoring form that gave them a double in 2005 when they won both the league and the Coca-Cola Cup. They are currently perched at the top of the log standings with nine points from four games. Notwane on the other hand seem to struggle to find the back of the net.

Meanwhile, Extension Gunners and Mochudi Centre Chiefs will do battle at the UB Stadium in what stands out as the fixture of the weekend. The game is expected to draw a large crowd as both sides have started the season well.

In other fixtures tomorrow, Uniao Flamengo Santos play Boteti Young Fighters at the Molepolole Sports Complex while Jwaneng Comets hosts Nico United at the Galaxy. In Francistown, it will be the battle of BMC-sponsored teams when ECCO City Greens take on their 'meat' brothers' BMC. On Sunday, Police XI face rookies Killer Giants while TAFIC will host the other debutants, Motlakase in Francistown.