Winless Chiefs, Gunners hunt full points
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday October 13, 2017 12:19
Gunners, who recorded their best finish in many years last season, have started the season on a low note. Against Sharps Shooting Stars in the first match, they wasted too many chances and settled for a draw before they lost to Uniao Flamengo Santos.
The game is likely to be evenly contested with both sides boasting of a mixture of young and experienced players. On the Gunners side, Thabo Metlhayotlhe, on his day is a threat to any side with his runs on the wings while Ofentse Mmipi’s experience is also vital. Chiefs have made significant signings with Lesego Lubinda already raising his hand. Chiefs are sweating over the availability of Lawrence Majawa and Thatayaone Ramatlapeng whose appearance for the team this season has been delayed by different circumstances.
By yesterday, Chiefs were hoping that Majawa’s work permit would have been issued while Ramatlapeng’s clearance is also expected from the Players’ Status Committee (PSC).
Gaborone United (GU), also looking for their first win, face yet another tough fixture when they take on Orapa United at the same venue on Sunday. The Reds were handed tough opponents in their first three matches of the season. They kicked-off the season with a 1-1 draw against Chiefs before they played to another draw against Jwaneng Galaxy. This Sunday they host log leaders, Orapa United who have made it clear they want nothing but the league title this season.
GU coach, Rodolfo Zapata will be hoping that his new signings, Dirang Moloi and Thatayaone Kgamanyane come to the party.
The two were some of the most high profile signings in the league at the start of the season. Kgamanyane’s pace in particular will be needed if they are to unlock the Orapa United defence, which has proven to be amongst the toughest for several seasons.
With no support from the midfield, young striker, Tumisang Orebonye could have a tough time against both Olekantse Mambo and Zebras defender, Thabang Mosige.
Orapa have already gained momentum with two important victories in two games. Against Uniao Flamengo Santos in the first game, they survived a scare and came from a two goal down to win 3-2 before they travelled all the way to Otse to pick another win against Gilport Lions. Coach, Madinda Ndlovu has ensured that with the arrival of Kobamelo Kebaikanye, he is spoilt for choice in the attack.
Kebaikanye has now joined Gift Moyo, Lemogang Maswena and Tendai Nyumasi while their two fullbacks, Kealeboga Molebatsi and Lesenya Ramoraka have also proved to be effective on the left and right.
In other games, the defending champions will be looking to maintain their good start against Police XI while their opponents are still reeling from the shock 4-1 defeat to Miscellaneous in the last match.
Rollers’ coach, Nikola Kavazovic has received early criticism from certain supporters regarding his team selection in the last two games. Other title contenders, Jwaneng Galaxy take on Black Forest in Molepolole.