Fans brace for 50th �Battle of Gaborone�
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday February 3, 2017 14:14
This is the Gaborone derby’s 50th anniversary.
Like in any other derby, it means more to the 12th player, the fans. There is no greater feeling than walking down the streets of the busy city with a full chest out on a Monday morning. Moyagoleele’s long time supporter, Gloria Lefenya also known as “mme wa mogolokwane” tells Mmegi Sport that a win against Rollers means everything to GU supporters.
“Tota Rollers re e filwe ke Modimo (Rollers are a gift from God). There is nothing sweeter than getting three points at the expense of that team. Come Saturday we will emerge as the winners,” she boasts. She further says it is all about getting the city’s bragging rights more than anything else.
“We are fighting for the city. I want to walk with my chest out after the game. We will beat Rollers, we have the right crop of players who can deliver on the day,” she says. Mma Lefenya, who has been a GU fan since its establishment in 1967, says nothing has changed in the quality of the derby. She took jibes at their opponents. “I will be wearing my team’s colours on the day. The first aid providers should be put on stand by as they (Rollers supporters) will collapse at the stadium. Le ba beele le metsi a di ice (provide ice-cold water for them),” she says.
Her Rollers counterpart, Richard Molosiwa also known as Morwalela in the football circles says a defeat against GU wll be a bitter pill to swallow. He likened the game to South Africa’s Soweto derby, which features Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. “This is the most talked about game in the city. We cannot sleep. We are anxiously waiting for GU on Saturday. It can go either way but we will be hoping that we win this one as GU always act as stumbling block between us and titles,” he says. Morwalela, who has been a Popa fan since 1995, said the derby has grown as compared to yesteryears, as there is a lot to play for in terms of the prize money.
“I hope they will be ready. We will open the floodgates on Saturday. Morwalela wago elela ko Ditakaneng (there will be floods in Ditakaneng),” he fired warning shots at his rivals. On the pitch, Rollers’ prodigal son Edwin Olerile is in contention to face his former employers on the day. Olerile may come in the place of Simisane Mathumo who is serving a suspension after three yellow cards. GU’s new signing, Kutlwelo Mpolokang trained for the first time with the team on Wednesday after spending time on the sidelines due to an injury.
However, the creative midfielder might miss the clash. New strikers, Akakulubelwa Mwachiaba and Jeffery Sekapite are also a doubt as they await work permits. Moyagoleele will pin their hopes on young striker Tumisang Orebonye.
The lanky forward has banged in seven goals this campaign. The Reds have won four of their last five games under colourful coach, Rodolfo Zapata. Rollers on their other hand will look to continue their good league form under new coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote.
The team has two league wins under Mpote, scoring seven goals while conceding only two. The striking trio of Terence Mandaza, Edwin Moalosi and Lemponye Tshireletso look unstoppable on paper, as they have scored 17 goals between them. Kick is at 4pm.