Can Galaxy/Orapa emulate BMC/ECCO?
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday February 24, 2017 15:45
Galaxy will be at home to BDF XI tomorrow carrying a 1-0 lead. Thabang Sesinyi’s solitary effort separated the two sides when they met in Molepolole in the first leg last month. Orapa United will be away to Township Rollers on Sunday carrying a 2-0 lead. The last time the two teams from the same institution met in the final was in 2007 when BMC and ECCO City Greens, under BMC sponsorship, clashed in the Coca-Cola Cup final. BMC emerged victorious in the final after a penalty shootout.
It will be interesting to see how both BDF XI and Rollers respond in the second leg. BDF XI have reached the final two times while Rollers have been in five finals. All the time they reached the final, they always carried the lead going into the semi-final. They have never come from behind in the second leg to progress into the next stage.
Sesinyi factor
One of the hottest properties in the league right now, Sesinyi is definitely giving BDF XI sleepless nights as they look to turn things around. The skillful striker made the difference in the first leg as his strike gave Galaxy the 1-0 win. He is currently the joint top goal scorer in the league with 10 goals. He is set to face the likes of Pelontle Lerole and Othusitse Mpharitlhe at the back for BDF XI.
Phiri’s leadership
key for Matebele
Known for their sharp eye when it comes to recruitment of foreign players, Matebele last season did it again when they captured Malawian midfielder, Bitwell Phiri. In two seasons, he has already made a name for himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the league.
His leadership qualities tomorrow could prove vital with BDF XI trailing. However, they will have to be lethal upfront as they seek to overturn and surpass Galaxy’s away goal. Having lost the last two games, tomorrow’s match will need them to be at their best mentally.
Dambe’s return
Rollers’ goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe returned to action on Wednesday when they defeated Gilport Lions 1-0 in a league match. He has been sidelined through injury since the year started. Currently trailing 2-0, Dambe as the last line of defence for Rollers knows what it means if they are to concede at home. Rollers trail by two goals and failed to score an away goal which might prove decisive. A single Orapa United goal on Sunday would mean they will have to score four goals if they are to progress to the next stage. Rollers were last weekend dumped out of the CAF Champions League through an away goal rule.
Gift Moyo factor
After losing both Onkabetse Makgantai and Sesinyi, Orapa United despite leading the log for sometime in the first round, appeared to lack some firepower especially on the wings. They moved swiftly in January and registered Moyo from Nico United. Moyo was a thorn on the Rollers defence in the first leg and gave both Tshepo Motlhabankwe and Mosha Gaolaolwe a torrid time on the wings. His pace and skill will once again be relied on this Sunday with Orapa United eyeing their second successive final in the competition.
What the team officials said
Bafana Pheto (Rollers): “We have faced tough situations before and we believe we can also overcome this one. Orapa were given 90 minutes and scored two goals. We can also do that and even score more. We rested some key players including Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Mogogi (Gabonamong) and Maano (Ditshupo) because we take this game very seriously.” Pius Kolagano (BDF XI): “Being 1-0 down, we ensured that we prepare really hard for this match. We will push all the way at least to the penalties. All our players are available for selection.”
Thabang Montlwaditse (Galaxy): “BDF XI are an experienced side that has won this competition before so we cannot take them lightly. Despite the rainy conditions, we believe we have done enough to get ready for this game.”