Zapata on the verge of first trophy
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday May 7, 2019 14:11
If Rollers triumph, it will present their coach, Rodolfo Zapata with his first ever league title. The Argentine's coaching career started in the late 1990s, but he has never won any silverware.
He spent most of his coaching as a development coach with his big break coming in 2011 when he was appointed head coach of South Africa's ABSA premiership side, Mpumalanga Black Aces (now Cape City FC), but his stay was shortlived as he was dismissed in 2012.
He joined Rollers' cross town rivals Gaborone United (GU) in 2016, before he moved to Kenyan side, AFC Leopards in 2018 but quit just five months into the job. Despite playing some enterprising football, the 53-year-old has remained trophy-less in his career.
Now, only Tse Nala stands between him and the historic win. Speaking to Mmegi Sport this week, Zapata downplayed the importance of this evening's game, but said his side will be looking to continue their impressive form.
'We are going to approach the game like always with respect to the opposition, but with a winning mentality. The idea is to attack. We will have to a lot of high pressing to win the game.
The mood (in the camp) is positive as always. It is going to be a tough game, but my players have enough experience to manage this kind of situation,' he said. Popa will be without striker, Tumisang Orebonye due to suspension.
Popa are on a 12-game unbeaten run, which has seen them score 12 goals in the last five games, conceding just once.
Tse Nala on the other hand are winless in their last five games, losing two, while playing to draws three times.
The team has conceded a staggering 14 goals while finding the net only four times. Kick off for tonight's game is 7pm.