When proponents of free-flowing football clash

Mqondisi Dube | Friday March 8, 2019 12:46

 

Gaborone United’s (GU) Phillemon Makwengwe and his Jwaneng Galaxy counterpart, Miguel Da Costa, prefer attacking football, which is likely to rule out a sleep-inducing encounter when the two clash from opposite ends at the Francistown Sports Complex tomorrow night.

Da Costa is still new to the Botswana game, but has endeared himself to fans with his passing football, which is also the hallmark of Makwengwe, a pragmatic coach.

Both men are flexible; with Da Costa at times tinkering with his formation to suit the needs of the team.  Makwengwe promised the fans to expect an open attacking game on Saturday. “I play football while enjoying it.

The players and the fans must enjoy too. I don’t play rigid football,” Makwengwe said.

He added that he varies his formation according to the opponent, although the 4-4-2 and the 4-3-3 remain his preferred. “Expect Brazilian type off football on Saturday; possession football.

The tempo would be up and down. I expect them to come at us at high pace, but they should be more worried about us. We are the underdogs,” he said.

Makwengwe argues Galaxy have not been tested sufficiently, but credits Da Costa with building a formidable side.

“They are very effective when in possession. He has built a good team.” On the injury front, Makwengwe said Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Alphonse Modisaotsile are nursing knocks. However, they are available for selection.

Da Costa would be playing his first final in Botswana and said there are no favourites.

“There are no favourites in a cup final. It is my first in Botswana, I tend to think of myself as a kid who is looking to make the best out of an opportunity I would be experiencing for the first time,” Da Costa said.

“We will not change much from the way we have been doing things because of the pressure and other stuff involving the game.

We have to go there and enjoy football and play the best football for everyone in Botswana because we want to have the best game ever.”  The two have clashed twice this season, with Da Costa emerging victorious on both occasions. He beat Makwengwe’s Prisons XI 5-0, before a narrow 1-0 over GU, both in league encounters.