Leaders Galaxy aim for buffer over Rollers
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday March 9, 2018 21:07
Although level, at 43points, with Rollers, Galaxy are top due to a superior goal difference. However, Rollers have played a game less (19) and are in action on Sunday against Black Forest.
Galaxy are at home to Police XI in Jwaneng tomorrow, and the diamond miners can’t afford to slip, considering the form of their nearest pursuers. There is a gap between Galaxy and Rollers, with nearest challenger, Miscellaneous nine points adrift.
Galaxy have been in fine form in the league. In the last 10 games, they lost and drew once, and critically, won eight times. They have proved lethal in front of goals, after scoring 21 and conceding seven.
Police XI will have a mountain to climb in Jwaneng where Galaxy have been relentless. They have not lost a game in their backyard since October when Extension Gunners edged them 1-0.
The Cops on the other hand, have never won against Galaxy in Jwaneng. Boitumelo Mafoko and Moreetsi Mosimanyana-led defence has been stingy at home the entire season; they have let in only five goals in 10 encounters played at the Galaxy Stadium.
Police XI will have to be wary of Gilbert Baruti who is also in fine form, orchestrating potent Galaxy attacks.
The two sides have met five times since the Jwaneng outfit joined the Premiership in 2015/201. They had a fair share of spoils with each winning twice and played to a 1-1 draw in their recent meeting.
However, Sthandwa Mogwadi will have to dig deeper, if he is to atone for the 3-2 and 2-1 defeats Police XI previously suffered in Jwaneng.
The Cops are still struggling to find their footing and are battling for survival. They are six points and four places above the red zone and a defeat would expose them to the murky relegation waters.
However, Mogwadi has ample armoury to gun down any opponent. He has premiership hardened players in the likes of Hendrick Moyo, Kekaetswe Moloi, David Makakaba, Betsho Pius and Tapiwa Gadibolae.
Meanwhile, Black Forest will have their hands full when they welcome a Rollers who are in a mean mood. Every opponent who crosses the blue nation’s path is likely to come out bruised.
Rollers stalled in the league due to cup engagements and with one out of the way and silverware in the bag, they will look to redeem their command in the league.
Popa are re-writing history books and this could be the year for a local double. They have dominated this fixture in the past and should cruise despite obvious fatigue.
Miscellaneous travel to Sharps Shooting Stars while Orapa United, who are still nursing Rollers bruises from Mascom Top 8 final, will have themselves to blame if they falter against punching bags, Gilport Lions.
Sankoyo Bush Bucks are home to Extension Gunners, Security Systems play Flamingo Santos, and in the battle of the red of the north and south, Gaborone United host TAFIC.
In the other Sunday encounter, Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ recent purple patch will face a tough test against BDF XI. Magosi are unbeaten in two games after going six games without a win.