Bogey side, Highlanders to test Rollers
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday October 26, 2018 12:32
Rollers have failed to beat their opponents in the last three encounters, managing just a point from a possible nine.
Highlanders for the first time beat Rollers 3-1 in March 2015, before the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in August 2015. It was the Mahalapye- based side who ran out as 2-1 victors in the two teams’ last encounter played at the Molepolole pitch before they were relegated to the first division in 2016.
This time around, Rollers will once again face the highly spirited Highlanders side that is steadily finding its feet in the Premiership after winning their last two encounters against Prisons XI and Security Systems. The team’s coach, Kabo Dintwa is worried about the psychological aspect of his inexperienced side, saying it could determine the outcome of the encounter.
“Yes, we have a good run against them and we just won our last two games, which is a motivation on its own. Our run (against Rollers) should not go into our heads, the players should know that Rollers are a big team and can be very dangerous on any day. We have a very inexperienced squad, so we should remain calm and take the game like any other,” he said.
Dintwa will miss three of his starters with Otarongwa Nthumolang, Temo Keoreleng and Keabetswe Obonetse missing out due to injuries.
“We had injuries before our last encounter but we managed a positive result. Of course, we will be missing three of my first team members making us thin in terms of depth but we just have to carry on, injuries are part of the game,” he said.
In the Blues’ camp, interim coach Thabo Motang is not worried about the statistics, but called for respect for his opponents.
“I think we used to go there and think they are Highlanders, just a team from Mahalapye. But right now we are going to play them like a team in the Premiership. They are in the Premiership on merit, and should be respected,” he said.
“This is the highest level of football and they are amongst the 16 best teams in the country. Of course, they will be highly motivated to beat us, like any other team that plays Rollers. However, we are used to that and we are hoping for the best result.”
Motang will also miss three key players in Edwin Moalosi, Ofentse Nato and Galabgwe Moyana who are nursing injuries. On the positive, Tumisang Orebonye has returned after missing the 1-0 win over Systems owing to suspension.
In other league games, Miscellaneous welcome Mochudi Centre Chiefs at the Serowe Sports Complex while Notwane take on Police XI at the Molepolole Sports Complex. On Saturday afternoon, Systems and Gaborone United will face off at the Lobatse Sports Complex, while Jwaneng Galaxy lie in wait for Sankoyo Bush Bucks at the Galaxy Stadium. Sharps Shooting Stars and BDF XI will battle for the three points at the UB Stadium, Black Forest take on Extension Gunners at the Molepolole Sports Complex while Orapa United will take the long journey down south to face Prisons XI at the Otse Stadium.
Recent Rollers/Highlanders League Record
23/01/16 Rollers 1 - 2 Highlanders
28/08/15 Highlanders 1 - 1 Rollers
18/03/15 Highlanders 3 - 1 Rollers
30/08/14 Highlanders 0 - 7 Rollers
12/03/13 Highlanders 0 - 2 Rollers