Chouka, Highlanders in battle of the Central District
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday December 2, 2016 15:29
Hosts and log leaders, Motlakase would want to put aside recent troubles after they were reported to have used a defaulter. Both Chouka and Highlanders have had a good start to the campaign.
Motlakse have been in a brilliant run of form since going down 2-0 to TAFIC last month. After that loss in Francistown, the Palapye side has gone on to stitch together a winning run which has culminated in them climbing to the top of the log. Highlanders were, in the process, relegated to third.
Before their weekend loss to TAFIC, Highlanders were unbeaten in seven games.
Highlanders are on a mini slump having taken four out of nine points on offer in the last three games. But coach Boyo ‘Oris’ Radipotsane, who will be returning to Palapye for the first time as a villain, is least worried.
“In football you win, lose and draw and we doing just fine,” he said. “It is not a problem for us because all the draws and a loss were away games. What is important is we never sit back and we are creating enough chances. Only luck sometimes eludes us but we are comfortable with ourselves.”
He said they are preparing as normal and has nothing to worry about as he returns to Palapye to face his former side. “We are playing home away from home. We have got nothing to worry about. We know what to expect in terms of the atmosphere and we know the ground as much as they do. So there is no pressure and we believe we share mutual respect.”
Highlanders will have to be above their best if they are to get a result in Palapye. Chouka have been in a scintillating form at the Swallows grounds. They have won all the five games they played at home scoring eleven goals and conceding only once against TASC.
Motlakase coach, Pule Mogotsi said the team is well conditioned for the weekend encounter. He also appreciated the growing turnout of supporters at their home games.
“The team is doing well and our supporters are rallying behind us week in and week out. The noise rises with every game and we are enjoying it. The team is ready; we are in good form and we want to continue winning.”
When quizzed about the defaulter he said: “We have heard about that case but it is under control. We have done nothing wrong and I can guarantee that the player, (Kabo Wetshoemang), is available for selection.”
In other games a baptism of fire is expected when red hot TAFIC descend in Selebi-Phikwe to face struggling FC Satmos. Chobe United welcome GNT in Kasane; TASC visit Maun Tigers. ECCO City Greens who are slowly rediscovering their last season form will play host to Morupule Wanderers and on Sunday Real Movers welcome Sua Flamingoes at the Nico Stadium.