Nare rules Systems out of title race
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday September 20, 2019 10:58
Nare was speaking ahead of a potentially explosive encounter against second-placed Township Rollers at the Royal Aria Stadium in Tlokweng on Sunday. Systems are riding the crest of the wave, as they sit at the top with maximum points from three games.
The team has the best defensive record, conceding just one goal while they scored four.
But they face their biggest test when they play holders, Rollers, who are just two points behind Systems.
Rollers have won two of their three games, with the other against Molepolole City Stars, ending in a draw. Popa have scored six goals while conceding four.
“Since I got here, I have played three times against Rollers. We drew one, I won one and I lost the one. If you look at the record, it is a 50-50 on paper; either of us can walk out with the maximum points on the day. My boys are ready; everyone wants to play against Rollers because they are a team to beat.
So on the day we will give it our best. The mood in the camp is higher than before because we are playing the champions,” Nare told Mmegi Sport this week.
Despite the good start, Nare downplayed his side’s title chances.
“If you analyse my squad, they are not a squad that can win the league. We would be putting pressure on ourselves if we claim to be one of the contenders. I just told my boys that we just need a good start, but that does mean we will have a good finish. But it helps with the pressure and gives you confidence for the rest of the season.
We once went for 10 games without a win (last season) and I do not want that this time around; the stress and pressure from the management, all those. It could only be avoided with a good start to the season,” he said.
“But we are far from winning the league; we just want to do better than last time. It is their (Rollers) league for the taking, with all honesty they are the favourites to win it. They have the best players and facilities with the best records in the league. It is theirs to take home, if they lose it, it would go to one of the teams that are well resourced than us, the likes of Orapa (United) or (Jwaneng) Galaxy,” he said.
Nare will miss winter signing, Thabang Rantleru and Osego Gaotewe due to injuries while Thatayaone Ramatlapeng and Kenanao ‘Flo’ Kgetholetsile are doubts.
Meanwhile, Molepolole City Stars visit Miscellaneous at the Serowe Sports Complex with both teams searching for their first win of the season before BR Highlanders face Gilport Lions in later kick off.
At the Lobatse Sports Complex, Gaborone United play their third game without head coach Madinda Ndlovu, when they face TAFIC while Prisons XI take on Orapa at the Otse Stadium.
On Sunday afternoon, BDF XI welcome Morupule Wanderers at the Lobatse Sports Complex before Notwane and Galaxy battle it out in an evening kick off. Police XI are home to winless and troubled Extension Gunners at the Otse Stadium. Kickoff is at 3:30 pm for the afternoon games while the evening matches start at 6:30pm.
SYSTEMS/ROLLERS LAST FIVE LEAGUE ENCOUNTERS
Thur 31/01/19 Rollers 1 - 1 Systems
Tue 23/10/18 Systems 0 - 1 Rollers
Wed 25/04/18 Rollers 0 - 1 Systems
Sun 05/11/17 Systems 2 - 3 Rollers
Sun 23/04/17 Systems 0 - 2 Rollers