Reds, Blues prepare for derby clash
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 2, 2018 13:47
With 21 league titles between the two sides, the clash is much anticipated, although it is now viewed as a harsh reminder to the GU faithful who have lived in the shadow of their more illustrious opponents since the last league triumph in 2009.
The Reds are in 14th spot with just six points from nine games. The team is enduring their worst start to the season after managing two wins, losing four while playing to draws on three occasions.
The six-time champions have found the back of the net 10 times while conceding 12. GU will be looking to bounce back after losing 1-0 to Security Systems in the past weekend. The Reds have managed to collect just five points in their last five games. On the other hand, the Blues are at the top of the Premiership table with 26 points, three ahead of second-placed Orapa United. The team is on an unbeaten streak that stretches from last season and has notched 18 goals this campaign while conceding just three. Popa will feel they have the upper hand over their opponents following the acquisition of former GU coach, Rodolfo Zapata this week.
The Argentine joins the trio of Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Jackson Lesole and Tumisang Orebonye who left the Reds for Rollers in the winter transfer window.
Rollers have been dominant over GU in the past season as in the last five clashes between the two; the Blues have won three, played to a draw, with GU winning one.
Ironically, the team was then under the tutelage of Zapata. Rollers have scored eight in the process while the Reds scored four. Popa have the prolific partnership of Orebonye and Joel Mogorosi who have 10 goals between them in the nine games played. However, the pair has not found the back of the net in the past three games. While on the other hand, Patrick Kabamba and Bophelo Oaitse are forming an attack of their own with four goals between them in the five played.
The last time the two teams met was last July in the BTC Charity Cup final where GU won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Meanwhile, Mogomotsi Mpote will begin his reign as Orapa United head coach when the Ostriches welcome visiting Security Systems at the Itekeng Stadium tonight.
On Saturday afternoon, BR Highlanders and Miscellaneous will battle it out for the Bamangwato bragging rights when they meet at the Serowe Sports Complex, while struggling Prisons XI will be looking for their first win against Notwane at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
The Lobatse Sports Complex will hold yet another double-header, when BDF XI take on Sankoyo Bush Bucks in the afternoon before Extension Gunners clash with highflying Sharps Shooting Stars in the evening. On Sunday, Mochudi Centre Chiefs play Black Forest at the Molepolole Sports Complex while Mike Sithole will lead his Police XI side against his former employers, Jwaneng Galaxy.
Recent Gu/Rollers
League Record
21/04/18 Rollers 3 - 1 GU
03/12/17 GU 2 - 2 Rollers
01/03/17 GU 0 - 1 Rollers 04/02/17 Rollers 2 - 0 GU
05/03/16 Rollers 0 - 1 GU