Rollers in search of response against Orapa
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday February 15, 2019 11:44
Rollers meet an Orapa side looking to rescue their title hopes after a mixture of results of late. The Ostriches are just three points behind Popa and tomorrow’s clash can cement the side as serious contenders for the title as they will become level with their weekend opponents, if they win the clash.
Depending on how second placed, Jwaneng Galaxy fare in their game, the Ostriches may finish the weekend on second spot as the league hits the final 10-game stretch.
Popa is making the 378km trip to Boteti to face the Ostriches in what has become a ‘hell town’ for the Blues.
The Itekeng Stadium has become the only sporting venue that the 15-time league champion has failed to get maximum points since the promotion of Orapa United.
After five attempts, dating back to November 2014, Popa has only held the Ostriches three times while losing twice.
In the process, Rollers has only managed to find the back of the net only on two occasions despite that the league clashes between the two sides seeing 31 goals scored. Rollers’ influential midfielder, Mothusi Cooper is a doubt, subject to a late fitness test.
Rodolfo Zapata will rely on the league’s top scorer, Joel Mogorosi to lead the side. Mogorosi has 11 goals, making him the only player to hit double figures this season.
Despite signs that age is catching up with him, the 34-year-old poses great aerial threat, strength and a very sharp eye for goal.
Lying in waiting are the Ostriches who on their part having a very inconsistent run after failing to pick points where it mattered most.
United have lost three of their last five league games, against minnows Prisons XI and Rollers’ cross town rivals, Notwane and Gaborone United (GU).
Goals seem to have dried up as the side has managed to score just three.
Despite Popa’s failure to get a win in the Ostriches’ backyard, the team has just won twice of their five home games against Rollers.
Zachariah Mudzadzi will once again lead the troops in the absence of head coach, Tomas Trucha who awaits his work permit. Mudzadzi will miss the team’s skipper, Thabang Mosige, who might be out for the remainder of the season and midfielder, Kelapile Ndlovu.
He will however pin his hopes on attacker, Onkemetse Powe. The former TAFIC midfielder can play both in the advanced and defensive midfield positions as he provides options for the technical team.
He is a good passer, possesses great pace while he is also good in front of goal, with four goals to his name in his first season with the Ostriches. The last time the two teams met, United won the match 2-1 played at the National Stadium.
In other games, this evening Sharps Shooting Stars welcome Sankoyo Bush Bucks at the UB Stadium.
Tomorrow afternoon, the Galaxy Stadium hosts an interesting fixture between second placed Jwaneng Galaxy and fourth placed Police XI while Extension Gunners visit Miscellaneous at the Serowe Sports Complex.
Security Systems and BR Highlanders face off at the Molepolole Sports Complex while on Sunday afternoon in a six-pointer, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Black Forest will battle it out at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
RECENT ORAPA/ROLLERS LEAGUE RECORD
10/11/18 Rollers 1 - 2 Orapa
02/04/18 Orapa 2 - 0 Rollers
20/11/17 Rollers 2 - 2 Orapa
11/03/17 Orapa 1 - 1 Rollers
20/01/17 Rollers 4 - 1 Orapa