Giants clash in Gaborone tourney

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday August 13, 2010 00:00

The four sides will participate in the Gaborone City Soccer Challenge, organised by the Gaborone City Regional Football Association to raise funds. Both GU and Rollers have made significant acquisitions and indications are that before the end of the transfer window today, they would have added other players. Rollers have an opportunity to test former Mochudi Centre Chiefs striker, Musonda Mweuku, Sekhana Koko as well as former Police XI defender, Canny Gaontebale. Rollers have been hot on the heels of youngsters, Mogakolodi Ngele and Thato Bolweleng although their club Uniao Flamengo Santos has been reluctant to let go them go.

Rollers have lost some key players including last season's top goal-scorer, Terrence Mandaza, Edwin Moalosi and defender Itayi Gwandu. Mweuku is likely to be thrown in as a replacement for Mandaza while Koko will fill the void left by Moalosi. Rollers start the tournament tomorrow against Notwane at 9am. Matches between the two sides have never failed to thrill. Notwane are said to be on the verge of losing striker, Pako Moloi to Chiefs. He is emulating his brothers, Dirang and Potsho who moved from Notwane to Chiefs.

By yesterday, GU had made more signings than any other club. With the club out of CAF competition now, tomorrow's tournament presents a perfect opportunity to prepare for the coming season. They start the tournament against Happy Hearts who have reportedly roped in Barry Daka as their coach for next season. The game kicks off at 11am. The winners will meet in the final at 3.30pm.

Communications director for the regional association, Thapelo Mothusi said they hope to make considerable amount of money from the tournament to help teams in the regional league to pay for referees. He said at the moment, teams pay P100 every game. 'We are trying to raise funds with this tournament so that we pay the referees since the teams do not make money through gate takings,' he said. He added that there is no prize money but Btv will broadcast the final. Entrance fee is P30.

Meanwhile Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Miscellaneous, Mahalapye Hotspurs and Pilikwe United will be playing in a fundraising tournament in Pilikwe tomorrow. The tournament is meant to raise funds to build a house for Galeemelwe Nneelang. Pilikwe United and Miscellaneous start the tournament at 9am. Chiefs will then lock horns with Hotspurs at 11am. The third and fourth place play-off starts at 1.30pm while the final starts at 3pm. Entrance fee is P10.