Gunners out to halt Rollers' juggernaut
Mqondisi Dube | Friday October 5, 2018 14:12
But the Peleng giants are not prepared to be the gentle lamb, and have vowed to fight back when the two arch rivals trade blows at the Lobatse Sports Complex tomorrow afternoon.
After joining the race late, Rollers have wasted no time in sending an unambiguous statement of intent.
Rollers have been the undoubted dominant force in local football over the last three years, with three league titles and a Mascom Top 8 trophy to show for their superiority.
Six games into the new season, there is already an air of invincibility at Mma Masire as the Blues are undefeated, with only one draw.
Gunners, seventh with 10 points and six adrift of Rollers, will become the latest side tomorrow to attempt to halt the Rollers juggernaut.
Clashes between the two sides are never short of sparks, with Rollers edging the last league meeting 2-0 at the National Stadium in May.
Kaone Vanderwesthuizen scored in the third minute while Segolame Boy made the points safe, and put the game out of reach after just 25 minutes.
The win secured Rollers’ third title on the trot, and confirmed league trophy number 15, in a glittering career for Popa.
Now Rollers are gunning for Gunners and a record extending 16th league title overall.
Gunners have to really stand up at their Lobatse Sports Complex home ground tomorrow if they are to salvage something from the game.
The black and white outfit, which made wholesome administrative and technical changes in the off-season, has had a mixed start to the campaign.
They have lost twice, and managed three wins and a draw, in what should be a satisfying take off, given the lack of a proper pre-season.
Assistant coach, Pontsho Moloi, one of the off-season technical changes, is confident Rollers are beatable.
“Of course they are beatable. Anything is possible. We always play to win and tomorrow is no different,” Moloi said.
The former Mochudi Centre Chiefs skipper has been involved in bruising wars against Rollers during his illustrious career and knows what to expect tomorrow.
He said the team resumed training on Tuesday, with Desire Bafana still out with a knee injury while Ofentse Mmipi might feature after recovering from a knock.
“There are no special preparations for Rollers, we know what to expect. We are aware of the magnitude of the game, but we know them well,” he said.
Rollers assistant coach, Leutlwetse Tshireletso said they are ready for Gunners and know that it is a special occasion each time they meet, despite the Lobatse side being in the rear view mirror.
“It is (a) special (game), a game not to be missed. They always rise to the occasion when they play against us,” Tshireletso said.
The defending champions have one injury concern with skipper, Maano Ditshupo expected to pass a late fitness test.
Rollers beat Prisons XI 2-0 on Wednesday night to climb to the top of the table, and the team was given a day off yesterday.
“It is recovery day today. The players who did not play on Wednesday will go to the gym, otherwise it is an off day,” Tshireletso said.
He said despite a quick fire start, there is still a long way to go to the title.
Focus will be on Rollers midfielder, Mothusi Cooper who will face his former paymasters for the first time since making an off-season switch from Gunners.
In other games, second-placed Orapa United face Gaborone United (GU) at Itekeng, former leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy will be sternly examined against Sharps Shooting Stars in Jwaneng on Saturday. Black Forest lie in wait for Sankoyo Bush Bucks at the Molepolole Sports Complex, while BR Highlanders and Prisons XI lock horns in a relegation six pointer.
On Sunday, Miscellaneous welcome a rejuvenated Police XI, while struggling Chiefs play Security Systems. An exciting encounter is expected when fourth-placed BDF XI take on Notwane at the Lobatse Sports Complex on Sunday.