Battle for top eight finish intensifies
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday April 28, 2017 14:45
Mochudi Centre Chiefs, who have been struggling both on and off the field, will be looking to register their second successive win when they take on tricky Sankoyo Bush Bucks in Maun tomorrow. Chiefs are currently lying in position nine with 31 points.
For the first time in 10 years, Chiefs find themselves in an unfamiliar territory. The off-field events, leading to a thin squad have seen the Kgatleng giants in danger of missing out on next year’s Mascom Top 8 for the first time. The financial situation at the club has on many occasions sparked instability with players boycotting some training sessions as well as games.
This past weekend, Chiefs rose from the slumber and registered an important victory against Gilport Lions. The win took them to ninth position, just four points behind Extension Gunners who are on position four. They face Sankoyo who have been blowing hot and cold and fighting for their survival. Sankoyo, led by Dragojlo Stanojlovic, lost the past weekend encounter to Miscellaneous and dropped to position 14.
In Lobatse tomorrow, Gunners host Orapa United in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter. Orapa are hoping that they continue collecting the points if they are to remain in contention for the league title.
They lost ground during their participation in the CAF Confederations Cup and are trying to play catch up with both Galaxy and Rollers. Gunners on the other hand are yet to lose a match under caretaker coach Itumeleng Duiker who replaced Daniel Nare in the middle of the season.
Black Forest, in position five, will be looking to bounce back following their shock defeat to Nico United last weekend. However, they face Police XI who are also fighting for a place in the top eight. Police sit 10th with 31 points. BDF XI, who have been struggling this season, take on Gaborone United in Molepolole.
Nico United, who seem to have finally found their winning formula, host Galaxy in Selebi-Phikwe. The game is expected to thrill spectators with Galaxy looking to pile pressure on Rollers. Nico on the other hand cannot afford to lose points as the battle for survival has intensified at the bottom of the log.
Rollers lock horns with Green Lovers on Sunday. All the matches kick off at the revised time of 3.30pm due to the onset of winter.