Gunners seek third win in a row

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Friday April 30, 2010 00:00

 

Gunners' coach, Neal Gouws said preparations for the game against Hogs are going well and his charges are ready for the challenge.

'My players are focused on the encounter and they know what is expected from them. Hogs will be coming here to prove a point because we beat them by a single point in the semi-finals last season. We respect them and we know that they are a good side,' said Gouws.

He said he has a good team that will not be intimidated by the visitors. He stated that he will not tamper much with the team that routed Tuskers although the South African players signed recently will feature.

 He said Gunners will be unveiling a new kit from their sponsors, Motor Rewind Centre. He stated that the kit sponsorship will motivate and change the attitude of players. Gunners' chairman, Modiegi Leepile urged rugby fans to come in large numbers to rally behind the team. 'Most people do not know rugby and this will be an opportunity for them to see how the sport is played. It will also give the players morale to beat Hogs,' he said.

Leepile said Gunners' merchandise that include t-shirts and caps will be sold during the game.  In their last game against Tuskers, Gunners stayed true to their form and scored their first try after eight minutes. Their star scrum-half, Conrad Ntsebe was once again outstanding with three penalties and four conversions.  Hogs' coach, Charl Van Zyl said their preparations were hampered by the heavy rains which fell during the week. He bemoaned the long list of injured players in the Hogs' camp.

However, Van Zyl is confident that despite the setbacks, his boys will play to their best. 'We prepared to the best of our ability. Gunners are the defending champions and we know that they want to retain the league title but we will do our best to win the encounter,' he said. Van Zyl said his team is fired up after they pulled a win in their last league game against BDF Cheetahs. He said they want to measure themselves against the best and Gunners offers the best opportunity.

The coach said they want to play good rugby against Gunners.  In other BRU fixtures, UB Rhinos play BDF Cheetahs in Gaborone while Desert Whales host Gantsi Hungry Lions in a battle of debutants in Jwaneng. Sharks play Francistown Tuskers.