The crucial penultimate Premier League battles
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday April 29, 2016 12:14
The relegation battle looks set to go down to the wire with several crucial matches lined up this weekend. Green Lovers, Motlakase Power Dynamos and Gilport Lions are fighting for survival.
The fight for the league title has also taken a new turn following reports that log leaders, Township Rollers will be docked points for the use of midfielder, Ofentse Nato. Mochudi Centre Chiefs are firmly back in contention, joining Rollers and Orapa United in the race.
Green Lovers vs Rollers
Both sides are desperate for maximum points with Rollers looking to bounce back from their Mascom Top 8 defeat to Orapa United. Anything less than a victory could spell the end for their title ambitions with uncertainties surrounding the final outcome of the Nato saga.
At the time of going to press, Rollers were top with 64 points with the Botswana Premier League (BPL) yet to implement the Botswana Football Association (BFA) disciplinary committee ruling.
Green Lovers on the other hand cannot afford to lose their match with Motlakase breathing on their necks. Lovers are 13th on the table with 27 points and play BDF XI in their last match.
The match has been moved to Selebi-Phikwe with another match between Motlakase and Gaborone United (GU) scheduled for Serowe on the same day.
Rollers will be without Mogogi Gabonamong who is serving suspension.
Orapa United vs Gilport Lions
Fresh from their Mascom Top 8 victory, Orapa United host relegation candidates, Gilport Lions in what is expected to be a tight match.
Madinda Ndlovu’s charges are oozing with confidence with chances of winning a double this season bright.
After closing out Rollers attackers on Saturday, Orapa United defender Olekantse Mambo will have another assignment against two Gilport Lions’ strikers, Tendai Nyamadzawo and Kenanao Kgetholetsile.
Lions are 12th on the log standings with 30 points and a victory will secure their Premier League stay.
They are awaiting the implementation of the DC ruling where they are expected to gain three points and two goals from Rollers.
Motlakase vs GU
GU face their hoodoo side away from home with the host team desperately in need of three points. Chouka as Motlakase are affectionately known, have always given GU problems ever since their arrival in the elite league. It will be interesting to see the tactics applied by the two coaches, Rodolfo Zapata and Zebras’ assistant coach, Boyo Radipotsane on the day. Zapata has made it clear that he prefers to see his side play free flowing football.
GU will once again rely on their top marksman, Benson Shilongo for goals while Motlakase pin their hopes on Lapologang Motlogi. The former Police XI attacker has been scoring crucial goals for Motlakase in recent games.
Police XI attacker has been scoring crucial goals for Motlakase in recent games.
A loss for Motlakase might confirm their departure to the lower division. GU on the other hand also desperately need maximum points if they are to harbour any ambitions of finishing in the top four bracket.
Chiefs vs Nico United
Chiefs, who appeared to have lost track in the race for the league title, have been thrown a lifeline to save their season. However they face an unpredictable side, which has been blowing hot and cold this season.
Since the departure of coach, Wesley Mondo, Nico have been struggling to grind results. Disputes over the non-payment of wages have also affected the team’s performance.
With Onkabetse Makgantai now in Orapa, Nico have been very thin going forward. Khumoetsile Kufigwa will have to carry the team on his shoulders against an experienced Chiefs side.