Young vs the old in GC derby
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday December 1, 2017 14:26
On Sunday afternoon when the capital city comes to a standstill as giants, Township Rollers and Gaborone United (GU) clash at the UB stadium, eyes would be on the two teams’ marksmen, Roller’s Jerome Ramatlhakwana and Tumisang Orebonye of Moyagoleele. The two strikers are rather the new and old models of the same product in terms of their play.
Tumisang Orebonye
The 21-year-old finished as a runner up in the race for the green boot last season with 16 goals. This season, ‘Teenage’ has picked up from where he left as he has already scored four goals after nine rounds. He has been giving his opponents a hard time in the air since breaking into the elite league with Motlakase Power Dynamos two seasons back. Orebonye possesses good speed and skill for a target man. He often pulls away from the opponents’ centre pair, turning into a provider for his teammates.
Jerome Ramatlhakwana
He has been warming the bench for most part of the season, with Mthokosizi Msomi and Edwin Moalosi preferred in the centre forward role in Nikola Kavazovic’s ever-changing starting line up.
The ‘Big Animal’ has since showed that he is hungrier than before, as he scored two in the last four games. The 33-year-old might have lost the pace but uses his football brain more as he always drifts away from his markers to create himself the space.
On paper, Rollers look the better side over their cross-town rivals. The team boasts a 33 game-unbeaten streak stretching from last season. Popa sit at the top of the log with 26 points. They are the most lethal side in the league, scoring 21 goals while conceding just seven. The defending champions have won eight games while drawing two in 10 games played. On the other hand, the Reds under the tutelage of Argentine Rodolfo Zapata are starting to find their rhythm.
The side has been let down by lack of consistency in winning the games. Before their encounter against Uniao Flamengo Santos yesterday, Moyagoleele had won three, drawn four and lost two games. The side occupied sixth spot with 13 points.
The team has been shy in front goal scoring nine goals while conceding eight in nine games. Rollers have won three of the last five meeting between the two sides, while GU collected maximum points once with the other game ending in stalemate.
Last five Derby results
01/03/17 Gaborone United 0 - 1 Township Rollers
04/02/17 Township Rollers 2 - 0 Gaborone United
05/03/16 Township Rollers 0 - 1 Gaborone United
03/10/15 Gaborone United 0 - 0 Township Rollers
16/05/15 Township Rollers 3 - 0 Gaborone United