Notwane look to spoil Rollers' title tilt
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday January 18, 2019 11:30
The two teams remain the oldest ‘sons’ of the city and will continue their rivalry that has been going on for more than five decades. After failing to live to the hype in the first round clash when they played to a goalless draw, tonight’s encounter however promises to produce sparks.
Rollers and Notwane meet under contrasting terms as Rollers lead the log with 36 points while Notwane are 11th with 18 points; half of what their rivals have amassed. The teams come into the game in desperate need of maximum points after suffering defeat in their last league encounters.
Popa were handed a humbling 3-1 defeat by Jwaneng Galaxy while Notwane went down 1-0 to Security Systems. Sechaba, who are chasing a top eight finish, have been inconsistent thus far. The team recently parted ways with coach, Davis Kopi as Kakale Mabechu takes charge on an interim basis as Dragojlo Stanolovic awaits his work permit. This is the third technical change for Toronto this season, which has seemingly affected the team’s performance on the field.
Notwane have won four, lost six and drawn six times. The team’s faithful will bank on South African midfielder, Sthembile Mbuqe. The attacker has been one of the standout players in the Sechaba camp.
He leads the team’s goal scoring charts with five goals; is a good dribbler, has good vision but most importantly has a big game temperament.
On the other hand, despite technical changes, Popa’s form has not been affected. Thabo Motang holds fort for Argentine, Rodolfo Zapata who awaits his work permit.
The team has won 11 games, played to four draws and lost two. Popa have proven to be deadly in front of goal after tucking in 26 goals this season. In a game where both sides prefer ‘carpet’ football, Mothusi Cooper could be a source of inspiration for Mapalastina. The 21-year-old has fitted like hand in glove in the midfield.
He is a good passer of the ball and is a better interceptor who breaks down the opponents’ play. In addition, Cooper is dead ball specialist and poses a threat on set pieces.
On paper, the Blues have an edge over their rivals as since 2012, Rollers have won nine of the 11 games between the sides with Notwane winning one while they settled for a draw on one occasion. Popa have scored 23 goals in the process while Notwane managed to find the back of the net only three times.
The two sides meet today, in a 7pm kick off at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
In other games, tomorrow afternoon improved Mochudi Centre Chiefs are aiming for a second consecutive win when they face Security Systems at the Molepolole Sports Complex. Black Forest and Miscellaneous will battle for three points at the Lobatse Sports Complex while Gaborone United visit Police XI at the Otse Stadium.
Third-placed, Orapa United travel to the Maun Sports Complex to face Sankoyo Bush Bucks while Sharps Shooting Stars and Jwaneng Galaxy face off at the UB Stadium.
On Sunday afternoon, BR Highlanders welcome Extension Gunners at the Serowe Sports Complex while Prisons XI take on BDF XI at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
Recent Notwane/Rollers League Record
Wed 19/12/18 Notwane 0 - 0 Rollers
Wed 18/02/15 Notwane 1 - 0 Rollers
Fri 19/09/14 Rollers 1 - 0 Notwane
Sun 16/03/14 Rollers 2 - 0 Notwane
Tue 24/09/13 Notwane 0 - 4 Rollers