GU, Chiefs reignite fading rivalry
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday April 7, 2017 18:09
The two sides made local football history, as they were involved in the first ‘league final’ in the 2008/2009 season to decide the champions. GU led Chiefs with only two points and faced each other in the final game of the league. GU were eventually crowned champions thanks to a late goal by Wellington Maposa in a game played under scorching sun at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
Seven years later, the two sides return to the venue but this time around they are fighting for a place in the top eight. One could only think of how the mighty have fallen.
The two sides have found the going tough this season as they feel the effects of lack of a sponsor. Chiefs and GU are level on 27 points and sit on eighth and ninth positions respectively.
Chiefs’ players this week boycotted training, as they are owed two months salary.
The team had a disastrous first round of the season under Zimbabwean tactician Bongani Mafu. The Kgatleng giants however showed glimpses of their former selves after making high profile signings including former Zebras marksman Jerome Ramatlhakwana and former Namibian Premier League’s reigning player of the season Absalom Limbondi in January.
The team has collected seven points in the last five games. On the pitch Mafu will be pinning his hopes on the strike partnership of Tendai Nyamadzawo and Ramatlhakwana. The duo has scored 10 goals between them since the start of the second round.
“It is my honest wish that we play the game. It is my plea that we play. We understand that the team is dead broke but it is not good for football to fail to turn up for a game,” Mafu said.
“We had our last training session two and half weeks ago where only seven players turned. At the moment I am trying to talk to the players who I know can be persuaded. The other ones, we know would not play until they are paid. But this could be an opportunity for the young ones to try seize the moment.
I have been talking to them to keep fit and do some jogs. I am doing my part on the players. I do not know what the management is doing that side. Maybe they are running around looking for money.”
Mafu would be wary of the threat posed by Rodolfo Zapata’s youthful side. GU have been playing one of the best styles of football but, crucially, failed to collect points. Newly capped Zebras striker, Tumisang Orebonye will lead a line-up that has abundance of young talent that includes Kabelo Seakanyeng, Karabo Phiri and Obonye Maome.
Orebonye has scored eight goals for GU this season since moving from Motlakase Power Dynamos.
Moyagoleele have dropped out of the top eight as they collected four points in their last five games. On paper, Chiefs look a better side as they have five wins from the last 13 games compared to GU’s three wins. The former league champions have drawn five games.
In the 13 games Magosi have scored 17 goals while The Reds have replied with 13. Kick Off is at 3pm.
In other games, log leaders Township Rollers will look to cement their place at the top of the log this evening as they visit Miscellaneous at the Serowe Sports Complex while third-placed Orapa United will look to put their cup disappointment as they welcome strugglers Nico United at the Itekeng Stadium.
On Saturday, second-placed Jwaneng Galaxy will look to catch up with Rollers as they welcome Security Systems at the Galaxy Stadium. Black Forest and relegation threatened Green Lovers will battle for valuable three points at the Molepolole Sports Complex.
The Lobatse Sports Complex will host the Extension Gunners and Gilport Lions fixture while United Hotspurs welcome Sankoyo Bush Bucks at the Serowe Sports Complex. On Sunday, Police XI will welcome BDF XI at the Otse Stadium.
Head to head in last five league games
03/12/16 GU 2 - 0 Chiefs
05/02/16 GU 0 - 2 Chiefs
12/09/15 Chiefs 1 - 1 GU
13/05/15 GU 2 - 2 Chiefs
12/12/14 Chiefs 2 - 0 GU