Chouka, Wanderers showdown in Pilikwe
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday October 6, 2017 11:47
Motlakase Power Dynamos and Morupule Wanderers clash on Saturday in Pilikwe, a few kilometres from Palapye. The derby will mark the launch of the league.
The Pilikwe ground is the registered homeground for Wanderers. The ground had its fair share of controversies last season.
Wanderers won two of their three games after protests, as the matches failed to reach regulation time due to, amongst others, violence.
The last match between Chouka and Wanderers at the ground, however, ended well.
Chouka edged Wanderers 1-0 before they bullied their younger brothers 3-1 in the return leg.
After slipping in the promotional playoffs last season, Chouka still hold a commanding squad although they have lost several key figures in the off-season.
They set the pace in the opening week with a 3-0 rout over rookies Maphatshwa.
Despite their financial muscle, Wanderers struggled in their debut season and escaped the chop by a whisker last season.
In the off-season they secured former Gunners speedy winger, Kgololo Kgogobi and the experienced Tshepo ‘Schoolboy’ Molefhe. The duo poses a threat to Chouka. The two players did not take long to settle in Bennedict Bayani’s side.
They were the difference with a goal each in their 2-1 triumph against former premiership giants Mahalapye United Hotspurs.
Bayani said the two slotted well into the team and are ready to fight with others as a unit.
He said his squad stands an equal chance against Chouka.
“I believe in a united squad and they (Kgogobi and Molefhe) complement the group of youngsters very well.
We can start judging them after five games,” he said.
“We are well balanced and the response to the training methods is good. If we play according to instructions, we will get the three points.”
Efforts to reach Motlakase for a comment were futile.
Another interesting encounter is billed for Sowa Town where Sua Flamingoes take on Nico United.
Majombolo will look to get their campaign back on track after suffering an opening day defeat to BR Highlanders.
Green Lovers who succumbed to Flamingoes will also hope to turn the page when they meet Calendar Stars here on Saturday.
Highlanders welcome Maphatshwa at the Railway Grounds.
On Sunday, GNT travel to Real Movers and Francistown City Greens welcome Hotspurs at the Francistown Stadium. Kickoff is 3pm for all the games.