Majawa returns as Rollers face Gunners

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday August 27, 2010 00:00

 

The player had gone to Malawi to sort out personal problems but returned this week in time to face Gunners in what could be a thrilling spectacle. The holding midfielder was one of the key players last season when Rollers won the league title and the Coca-Cola Cup. Against Black Peril last Saturday, Rollers played with one holding midfielder, Amos Godirwang who was partnered with the more offensive Powell Abednico. It was an unusual formation for Rollers, as they have always preferred two defensive midfielders. Boitumelo Mafoko partnered Godirwang in midfield but when he left for South Africa, Rahman Gumbo who is now at Mochudi Centre Chiefs forged a solid combination in the middle with the introduction of Majawa.

It will be interesting to see how Wesley Mondo picks his team to face Gunners with the return of the midfielder. At the back, Rollers' defence looked fragile against Black Peril last weekend and some have attributed this to the absence of a second holding midfielder. The void left by towering defender, Itayi Gwandu was evident although Rollers have reportedly plugged the whole by signing a Zambian who is still waiting for his work permit.

Rollers and Gunners meet after experiencing contrasting fortunes in the opening games of the season. While Rollers looked unconvincing against minnows, Black Peril until the dying minutes, Gunners lost their first game to BMC in Lobatse. Rollers beat Gunners twice last season but a lot has changed since then especially after a busy transfer period.

Despite losing some key players, Gunners still look strong especially in the middle. Kemmy Pilato, who missed most of last season with an injury is expected to form a deadly combination with South African midfielder, Aubrey Sithole. Daniel 'Chicco' Nare has turned Mapantsula into a formidable force since taking over as coach three seasons ago. He has managed to find replacements for Ntungamile Tshoganetso and Bernard Semakwezi with the acquisition of Raphael Nthwane and the return of Tiroyamodimo Mohambi. The only setback is that the club was recently hit by boardroom squabbles and two officials resigned.

In other games this weekend, Chiefs will be hoping to continue where they left last weekend when they meet Black Peril tonight in Molepolole. Judging by their performance against Uniao Flamengo Santos last Sunday, it will be very difficult for the new comers to break Chiefs at the back. Chiefs look dangerous when going forward after the return of Pontsho Moloi. Peril will be missing their first choice goalkeeper, Mosweu Thakadu who was injured against Chiefs. Tomorrow, Miscellaneous host Police XI in Selebi-Phikwe while BMC and Nico United lock horns in Lobatse. BDF XI and Santos play at the SSKB Stadium with both sides looking for their first points of the season after losing their opening matches. Santos will once again be missing two players, Mogakolodi Ngele and Thato Bolweleng who have been suspended by the club after failing to report for camp ahead of last Sunday's encounter with Chiefs.

Buoyant ECCO City Greens who crushed TAFIC 4-0 in the Francistown derby, welcome Notwane at home. TASC face a major test against a ruthless GU in Molepolole. The former champions thumped Notwane 4-0 in the opening match and TASC look likely to be their next victim. On Sunday, Motlakase and TAFIC face each other in Selebi-Phikwe. All games kick-off at 3pm except for the Chiefs/Peril game which start at 7.30pm.