Battered Reds face Ostriches again

Koketso Kgoboge | Friday February 9, 2018 14:56

 

The Reds return to Itekeng Stadium for a BTC Premiership encounter on Sunday.

The two sides are fresh from a two-legged Mascom Top 8 tie, which left GU battered and bruised as the diamond miners recorded a resounding 5-1 aggregate win.

Orapa first edged the Reds 1-0 at Itekeng and that gave the visitors a hope of a comeback, but the Ostriches ran riot in Gaborone on Saturday, winning 4-1 in the return leg. The ball is on the Reds’ court to make amends.

The two sides are level on points, but the Reds occupy position four due to a superior goal difference while the Ostriches are fifth. It will be a tough call for Rodolfo Zapata, who enters Itekeng with a lean squad. Four of his key players are out injured. His marksman, Tumisang Orebonye has a knee problem, while Dirang Moloi is nursing a nagging injury.

Thatayaone Kgamanyane picked an injury in their midweek 1-1 draw with Security Systems and his quarterback Kennedy Amutenya is also out. Kabelo Seakanyeng and Obonye Maome will have a tough day attempting to carry the burden for the Gaborone giants.

Zapata is a worried man but said they will approach the game with a winning mentality. “We are not in our best place at the moment because of many factors including injuries, but we will do our best with what we have. I believe in my boys, I know we are going to Orapa to fight for maximum points.”

There are no such problems for Orapa, who are fresh from a 3-1 win over Uniao Flamengo Santos midweek. The on-form Jerome Ramatlhakwana, who has bagged three goals in two games for the Ostriches, will be in contention, and so will be Onkabetse Makgantai who produced a wonder strike when the Ostriches downed the Reds in Gaborone.

The experienced Lesego Galenamotlhale is also a candidate to start as the Ostriches look to bring finality to this season’s Reds chapter and leapfrog the Gaborone side on the standings.

Tendai Nyumasi has also been cleared after a muscle injury, with Omaatla Kebatho the only player unavailable, coach Bongani Mafu said.

In other fixtures, tonight, in a mud battle Gilport Lions welcome Santos. On Sunday, it will be a battle of struggling giants as Mochudi Centre Chiefs play Extension Gunners; Security Systems face Miscellaneous and Sankoyo Bush Bucks travel to Sharps Shooting Stars.