Fired-up Chouka host Flamingoes
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday October 19, 2018 14:42
Former director, Bashi Gaampone has returned to give the side financial stability. Gaampone had pulled out four seasons ago when the side was relegated from the Premiership.
He returned through his JAGO Beef brand to rescue the club that almost began the season without a playing kit. The new vows proved inspirational as Chouka trampled cross-town rivals, Morupule Wanderers 2-0 away in Pilikwe.
This weekend they will come face-to-face with another team considered wealthy by First Division standards.
With the arsenal at both ends, the clash promises sparks. Chouka’s strength lies in their talent and steadiness, with the bulk of the squad having been together since early ages.
They have gained experience together for the past three seasons in the lower division. Chouka have maintained a top-four finish in their entire stay in the Debswana league since they were relegated.
The same record goes for their opponents since they gained promotion. Flamingoes finished runners-up last season. The Sowa Town outfit has assembled a squad that on paper would represent a threat even to a host of Premiership sides.
They have in their books Premiership-hardened players in the likes of Lovemore Murirwa, Gaotwesepe Ralegoreng and Patrick Lenyeletse to mention a few. Both clubs have gone narrowly close to promotion, flopping at the play-offs in the last two seasons.
The two sides have always produced tight encounters.
In the past four games Chouka won three with a 1-0 score line, but Flamingoes were 3-0 victors in their last encounter.
The Palapye side has not lost to Flamingoes in their own backyard, and they will be looking to maintain the impeccable record, but the previous 3-0 loss could have opened floodgates.
The Salt Boys, however, faltered in their league opener against Francistown City Greens.
Wanderers travel to the old Francistown Stadium for a clash with Calendar Stars. Nico are home to GNT while new boys, Eleven Angels will be searching for their first win when they welcome the stubborn Real Movers. Other rookies, Palapye All Stars, take a short trip to Serowe to face Green Lovers.
In the only Sunday encounter, City Greens host TAFIC in the Francistown derby. Matjimenyenga started positively and City Greens will be wary after their city neighbours, GNT were humiliated 4-1. All the games kickoff at 3.30pm.