Rollers, Sharps in emotional clash
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday October 20, 2017 14:24
The two sides although not historically related, recently saw former Rollers managing director, Somerset Gobuiwang join the Premier League rookies’ management team. Gobuiwang, who has served Rollers for many years before they parted ways following long running court battle, resurfaced at Sharps during their campaign in the First Division.
His arrival saw Sharps make their presence felt in the lower division after securing the services of former Rollers players, Monageng Thaele, Raphael Nthwane and Moemedi Moatlhaping.
The trio was part of the Rollers’ side during Gobuiwang’s leadership at Rollers. They have since helped Sharps gain promotion for the first time to the elite league. The Sunday match is expected to draw some emotions from both sides with several Rollers supporters still having a feeling that the former Rollers boss was treated unfairly by the club leading to his departure to the new comers. On the field, Rollers are yet to drop points and are the only side with a 100% record in the league this season.
They have collected a maximum of 12 points from four games while Sharps are yet to win a game in the elite league. Rollers new coach, Nikola Kavazovic has tried several combinations and still managed to grab important victories. Joel Mogorosi appears to be one of Kavazovic’s key players this season. He has been thrown in at the striking position and rewarded the new coach with impressive statistics. Mogorosi, who traditionally plays as a winger, has since scored four goals in four matches.
Lemponye Tshireletso has also been moved from the wings to the central attacking role behind the striker with Segolame Boy switching to the wide position. Under the tutelage of Pio Paul, Sharps have a tactician who knows how to read and plan for matches especially against tough opposition. He will be relying more on his experienced players, Moatlhaping, Thaele and Nthwane. Boitumelo Modisaotsile will be back from suspension where he will most likely face Edwin Moalosi on the wing.
In another game on Sunday, Gaborone United (GU) will face Security Systems who have just registered their first win this season on Wednesday night against Gilport Lions. GU are yet to win a match despite having been one of the busiest sides during the transfer window before the season started. On Saturday, Orapa United and Jwaneng Galaxy will be hoping to bounce back to victories when they take on Miscellaneous and Uniao Flamengo Santos. The two diamond sides’ pursuit of Rollers at the top was dented when they both lost their midweek matches against Sankoyo Bush Bucks and Extension Gunners respectively. Mochudi Centre Chiefs lock horns with Black Forest without their influential captain, Lesego Galenamotlhale.