All is set for clash of the big guns

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Friday April 9, 2010 00:00

 

Prisons XI will still be without influential captain Kabelo Kgosiang who suffered a knee injury last month when his team beat Black Peril 1-0 at SSG ground.

However, namesake Kabelo Motlhabane has been holding things tight at the back in his absence and once again he is expected to lead the youngsters against Letlapeng who still have a game in hand while Prisons are only three games from the finish line; and all of which could turn into 'must wins'.

Kgosiang himself is confident that his team will continue to do well in his absence as they have already played three games without him, winning two and losing one.

Though Letlapeng is known for its interesting type of football dominated by fast wing play favoured by coach Enos Mmesi, it is most unlikely that they will be able to go all out for attack lest they exposed themselves at the back.

Juluka Rankhudu has a forceful striker called Tatenda Mbikiwa whose experience should come in handy at this crucial stage but Mmesi also has former Zebras' forward Tshepiso Molwantwa whose electrifying pace could haunt Prisons' sluggish defenders.

Gaolebe Mokolokoto might have gained a few kilos but his strong shielding of the ball and powerful shots could prove vital in this game. His teammates do not call him Machine for nothing: though he is not such a mobile player, on his day, he can terrorise any defence with his authoritative presence inside the box.

But this is a game that both coaches would want to dominate especially in the midfield and this is where Letlapeng could get the edge over their Ramotswa opponents because in Patrick Magosi they have a natural playmaker whose good reading of the game could make all the difference at the end of the day.

But it will not be smooth sailing for the midfielder who has been on the wanted list of many Premier League teams. He should expect tough competition from Prisons' Kelvin 'Bebe' Khuwa who has been pivotal in the warders' engine room, often dictating the pace of the game with ease this season and showing a lot of initiative when in possession while at the same time not neglecting his defensive duties.