Gunners raise familiar hand
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday October 21, 2016 19:00
BDF XI also made in-roads and became the only side with a 100% record when they beat Sankoyo Bush Bucks.
For two weeks now, it appeared no team wanted to raise its hands early on. The story continued on Tuesday with favourites, Orapa United and Rollers again failing to open up.
However, on Wednesday night, Gunners and BDF XI beat the odds and registered their second victories of the season.
Gunners are leading the pack with seven points from three games. Not surprising for the Lobatse giants who last season registered a 100% record after four games. Gunners won their first four matches and shot to the summit of the league table with 12 points.
Pressure and off field challenges including late payments of salaries saw them finish the season at position nine. This season after three games, they have dropped just two points against traditional favourites, Mochudi Centre Chiefs. After that draw they went on to beat Green Lovers and Security Systems.
Interestingly they meet BDF XI tomorrow in Lobatse in the top of the table clash. BDF XI are currently second with six points from two games. Matebele missed the first week of the season after referees failed to report for duty. They were supposed to have kicked off their season against Gilport Lions.
They went on to beat Mahalapye Hotspurs before they collected three points away in Maun against Sankoyo Bush Bucks. Gunners are eyeing retaining their position at the top while BDF XI will be looking to dethrone them if they win. Both teams are under the tutelage of local coaches, Louis Setshwane and Daniel Nare, who have been at the helm of their respective sides, left and bounced back. Gunners will pin their hopes on left back, Otlantshekela Mooketsi who has played for BDF XI before.
Mooketsi, following a frustrating period at Rollers coupled with recurring injuries seems to have found a home in Lobatse. He is likely to face another exciting player at BDF XI, Keeagile Kobe on the wings. Kobe has been a revelation for Matebele this season. Interestingly, Kobe shot to prominence in the elite league under the tutelage of Nare during their time at BMC (now Gilport Lions).
Meanwhile, rookies Black Forest maintained their tenacity against Gaborone giants when they held Gaborone United (GU) to a draw, less than a week after defying Township Rollers. This Sunday they take on Gilport Lions who were scheduled to play Nico United yesterday.
Other interesting fixtures:
Jwaneng Galaxy vs Rollers
This is likely going to be a pressure game for both sides after a disappointing start to the season. Galaxy although with a game in hand, are yet to win. They have dropped four points in two matches. Rollers on the other hand have failed to live up to the hype with just one victory in three games.
The rotation system is failing to give them the desired results, with the champions dropping points against Black Forest and Police XI.
Only Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Joel Mogorosi and captain, Maano Ditshupo have started all the three games.
With Terrence Mandaza looking sharp, it promises to be a thrilling game with Galaxy also looking to Thabang Sesinyi and Thero Setsile to further stall the defending champions in their title defence.
Gaborone United vs Orapa United
This is another game that is likely to be won on mental strength considering that the two sides have also not been consistent enough. They are both on five points from three games.
GU had the chance to go top on Wednesday but were held to a goalless draw by Black Forest. An interesting duel looms between GU striker, Hendrick Moyo and his former teammates, Olekantse Mambo and Thabang Mosige, who have so far conceded two goals in three matches.