Wanderers, Flamingoes meet in cutthroat clash
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday December 14, 2018 12:33
This is an encounter that never lacks sparks and goals. One of the similar battles ended at the disciplinary quarters after balls were stabbed at the similar ground and the match had reportedly ended before time.
However, what makes the impending clash flicker this time around is the high-spirited start that the two clubs have set in the current campaign. They have both set their eyes on promotion to the premiership.
Everything is at stake in the decisive encounter as Flamingoes and Wanderers are chasing relentless leaders TAFIC. They are both persistent in their chase and are eyeing a TAFIC slip to get a chance of climbing to the summit.
A defeat would throw spanners into the works of the loser and a draw would only be a desired result for log-leaders, TAFIC.
Judging by the statistics of the past meetings, Flamingoes command an upper hand. They had won three of their four meetings in the league. They beat Wanderers 4-0 twice in Sowa and won their last meeting in Pilikwe 2-1. They lost the other Pilikwe match 1-0.
Experienced players will play a crucial role in the fixture. The Sowa Town outfit has the likes of Patrick Lenyeletse, Mamikina Muyenga and defensive rock, Renny Ralegoreng to lead their hunt of maximum points.
They are also not easy at the back. Their defence has let in only one in the past eight league matches. They conceded to Green Lovers in their past weekend 3-1 win over the Serowe side and they have not lost a game this season.
Wanderers lost their first league game to rivals Motlakase. They fashioned a great turn around and are unbeaten since. They are fresh from a midweek 2-1 win over Great North Tigers that saw them leapfrog Flamingoes into second position. The Palapye side would pin their hopes on the experienced duel of Kgololo Kgogobi who scored midweek and Master Masitara to try and unlock their opponents.
The club chairperson, Nelson Kgosipheko said they are focussed on winning all their games. He appreciated Flamingoes will be a tough opponent, but said his current squad and their form is implacable.
“We are expecting a tough match, but we have done well in similar challenges and emerged with maximum points. Everyone can crack, we will remain persistent and that is what we have mastered this season. We want the three points,” he said. Flamingoes chairperson, Rebagamang Sekgekge said three points is their national anthem. He said they would tread carefully against Wanderers, but they are eyeing TAFIC.
“The battle lines are drawn and we can’t underestimate a side that is so persistent. Our interest, however is at the top of the log where TAFIC is sitting. That is what we are fighting for,” Sekgekge said.
TAFIC will be looking to continue their great vein of form when they visit Green Lovers in Serowe. They are still impregnable after eight weekends and have been free scoring. Lovers’ defence will have to be on their best form to abate the flowing Matjimenyenga.
Motlakase and Nico United, who are trying to make in-roads into the battle of promotion, will be meeting in Palapye. Calendar Stars host Real Movers.
GNT will try their luck when they welcome Palapye All Stars. Francistown City Greens lock horns with rookies Eleven Angels in the Francistown Derby.