Makhwengwe seeks redemption against Orapa
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday February 1, 2019 13:17
The two sides will meet at the Molepolole Sports Complex in an afternoon kick off. The Ostriches have proved to be Reds’ hoodoo side, winning eight of the 11 matches between the teams. GU have only beaten their weekend’s opponents twice, with only one draw.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport this week, Makhwengwe paid no attention to the records as he said there is inconsistency in the teams this league campaign, which gives his side a chance against any team.
He is fresh from last Sunday’s 2-0 drubbing at the hands of rivals, Township Rollers, in the Mascom Top 8.
“I am still new here, I am working on setting my own record. If you look at Orapa, they have problems of their own like any other team; they are inconsistent. I’m currently building a team for next season; the squad is way much better than the team I had in 2012, but those were fighters,” Makhwengwe fired a warning shot.
“I have players with names now, am trying to build a team. I am instilling a fighting spirit. We must admit that the title is out of reach at the moment. So we are battling for a top eight finish. We are going to fight and anyone who stands in our way should be up and ready for a fight.” ‘Da Phil’s side sits at a disappointing ninth position in the table with 20 points from 18 games. The Reds have been inconsistent as in the last five games they lost twice, played to a draw once while winning two.
Moyagoleele have also been shy in front of goal scoring just five in the run while conceding six. Makhwengwe’s side has been boosted by the arrival of playmaker Thatayaone Kgamanyane.
The 23-year-old is yet to find his scoring boots, but has shown glimpses of a man who terrorised defenders a season ago. ‘Messi’ is expected to lead the side alongside veteran striker, Jerome Ramatlhakwana. The duo was signed during the current transfer window and would be eager to impress the Moyagoleele faithfuls.
Title-chasing Orapa have been having a good run on the road winning five of the eight away games. They will be given a morale boost, as they have never lost to their weekend’s opponents, away.
The Ostriches have lost two of their last five games. They are chasing their first league title as they moved to the top of the log with a 1-0 home win against BR Highlanders on Wednesday evening. The team’s new coach, Thomas Trucha would be once again watching from the stands as he awaits his work permit.
His number two, Zachariah Mudzadzi would be pleased with the dragging transfer talks involving star midfielder, Tapiwa Nyamanjiva. The Zimbabwean has never put a foot wrong this season and is expected to lead the team from the deep play making midfield role.
Meanwhile, still at the Molepolole Sports Complex, in the evening Mochudi Centre Chiefs take on Prisons XI while Extension Gunners will be home against Black Forest at the Lobatse Sports Complex as Police XI welcome Miscellaneous at the Otse Stadium.
On Sunday afternoon, title chasers, Township Rollers will be away to BR Highlanders at the Serowe Sports Complex while BDF XI takes the long trip to the north to face Sankoyo Bush Bucks at the Maun Sports Complex.
Sharps Shooting Stars’ new coach, Matshidiso Moseki will be hunting for his first against Notwane at the Lobatse Sports Complex while second placed, Jwaneng Galaxy visit Security Systems at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
Recent gu/Orapa league record
06/10/18 Orapa 3 - 1 GU
11/02/18 Orapa 1 - 0 GU
15/10/17 GU 0 - 1 Orapa
25/05/17 Orapa 0 - 1 GU
22/10/16 GU 0 - 1 Orapa