Masitaoka, Fighters clash in Kweneng derby
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday February 14, 2020 12:31
Just two points separate the pair as they clash at the Solomon Dihutso grounds in Mogoditshane on Saturday afternoon.
A win will extend Masitaoka’s lead to five points while Fighters have a chance to go on top by Saturday evening if they manage a victory on the day as the league enters the final six games stretch. However, Fighters’ coach Thaloba ‘Machine’ Nthaga downplayed the magnitude of the game as he says it is not a league decider. He however said his side is aiming for maximum points to move top of the table. “It is an important game but it does not determine the league winner. What is important is how we perform in the last seven games. It is important that we put the pressure on the log leaders, so we will try to get the three points on Saturday. So, we are coming in to this game very hopeful for maximum points,” Nthaga told a press gathering on Thursday. ‘Machine’ will be in charge of his fourth game at Fighters after taking the reigns in January. He faces a Masitaoka side that was unbeaten until their last game against Jwaneng Fighters.
Nthaga said the pressure is on the day’s opponents as he said they are better resourced than his side. “It is a big ask to come here and try to continue from what the previous coach did. But I have been in the same situation before, I know what needs to be done. I am not in any sort of pressure at all, we are playing a team full of professionals, they are better resourced, so we should not underestimate them on the day,” he said. Masitaoka’s coach, Nelson Olebile has welcomed the pressure as he aims for a Fighters’ thumping. “You need the pressure to perform in football. We have been in pressure since our first game and that has not changed. But we are facing a strong team this weekend, with a very good coach. They are seasoned team with full of seasoned players, but we are prepared for them. We have been doing well in the away games and we want to get the results from this game,” he said.
Masitaoka has been good travellers this season with just one loss from seven away games.
Meanwhile, Jwaneng Fighters hosts Ncojane Young Stars at the Jwaneng Council Stadium as David Bright’s Holy Ghost eye first win under the gaffer when they welcome Mochudi Rovers at the Holy Ghost Park.
Eastern Pirates grounds will host a clash between Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Matebejana while Black Forest visits Broadhurst United at the SSG Ground. Uniao Flamengo Santos welcomes strugglers, Red Sparks at the Gabane United Grounds. The games kick off at 4pm.