GU,ECCO seek first win

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday September 25, 2009 00:00

 

The game kicks off at 3pm.
Both sides opened the league campaign with identical 0-0 stalemates. GU failed to crack the youthful Notwane in Molepolole last Friday, while ECCO could not get maximum points from their derby against TAFIC on Saturday. GU were far from impressive in their opening encounter against a plucky Notwane and would want to turn their fortunes early on. 

While the reigning champions released a number of players, they remain among the favourites to pocket the P1 million first prize.

Their notable absentee when the league got underway is Itai Gwandu, who has made a switch to Township Rollers. Reliable midfielder, Sageby Sandaka, who was suspended for his role in a player boycott, is said to be negotiating with the club for a possible return.

Despite failing to get maximum points against Notwane, GU start tomorrow's tie as favourites. The champions had the better of ECCO last season taking four points from the Francistown side.

The first leg finished even before the Reds ran riot in the reverse fixture in Molepolole, winning 4-2. Both clubs would be boosted by the return of national team players who will leave for China immediately after the game. The players have been training with the Zebras. GU has Ofentse 'Size 10' Nato and captain, Joseph 'Big Joe' Phethogo - two of their best players last season - in the national team. ECCO has Malepa 'Chippa' Bolelang, Ontse Tesa and Bonolo Fraiser in the Zebras' squad that would play China next week in an international friendly match.

The national team players are expected to play a pivotal role in tomorrow's match ahead of their departure.

Focus would be on the young Nato who was outstanding in his debut season at GU and won himself the Players' and Supporters' Player of Season awards.  ECCO are an offensive side with exciting talent. Bolelang, Fraiser and the gangly Mandla 'Sukunyetsa' Sibanda are an ever present danger to any opposition. Robert Tamba has started scoring goals in cup tournaments and would want to recapture his form of old. In the midfield, ECCO have proven ball winners in Tony Selala and Master Masiku, while Ntesa provides goalkeeper, Michael Onkutule with the needed protection.

The GU defence has been weakened by the departure of Gwandu although the department was shored up by the arrival of tough tackler, Tumisang 'Butcher' Sekanonyana from BMC. Gobonyeone 'Shoes' Selefa is expected to be signed to solidify the champions' defence.

In goal, Raphael Nthwane would like to build on his last day heroics when he thwarted Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the season's final match.

Winger Mandla Mgadla is an exciting player on his day and much would be expected from the former Mogoditshane Fighters' star.  The clubs boast of two shrewd coaches in Mike Sithole of GU and ECCO's Max Moyo.