Goals galore on opening weekend

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 24, 2010 00:00

After a busy transfer window in which, the big guns bolstered their squads, the start to the season was not disappointing.

Four teams managed to score four goals in their first games. While Gaborone United (GU) kicked off their campaign with a 4-1 thumping of Notwane, ECCO City Greens hammered TAFIC 4-1 in the Francistown derby.

Chiefs also scored four goals without reply against Uniao Flamengo Santos, whose problems seem to be much bigger than they look. Pontsho Moloi, Malepa Bolelang and Phenyo Molefe are the three players who managed to grab a brace in their first games.

All eyes were on defending champions Township Rollers as well as rivals GU and Chiefs. Rollers and Chiefs in particular have swapped players and coaches in the last transfer window. This saw Chiefs acquiring the services of Rahman Gumbo who won the league and the Coca-Cola Cup with Mapalastina last season as well as defender, Itayi Gwandu. Rollers on the other hand roped in former Chiefs coach, Wesley Mondo, while Sekhana Koko and Musonda Mweuku joined him at Rollers. Many had expected a disappointing performance from the defending champions especially after reports of players' discontent over bonuses. They came from behind to win 3-1 against determined Premier League new comers, Black Peril.

Judging by their performance, Black Peril look like a very difficult side to beat. Their players never showed nervousness especially playing against defending champions in the first league game.

Their striker, Benny Michelo was a constant menace to the Rollers' defence. Michelo entered the Premier League record books when he became the first player to score this season with his fourth minute goal.

GU, under Mike Sithole, seem to have recovered from the CAF Confederation Cup exit to launch an assault on the league title. They defeated Notwane twice in a space of a week. Notwane have been a very difficult opponent for GU even when they are performing below par, but GU appear to have uncovered their (Notwane) secret.  

The return of Pontsho Moloi to Magosi fold was memorable as he grabbed a brace in his first official game for Chiefs since his move from South Africa's Bay United. Uniao Flamengo Santos face a difficult season if their performance against Chiefs is anything to go by. They never looked like the exciting side that terrorised opponents last season. Having lost influential players in Farisayi Nyamunamwendo and Bushi Moletsane to Police XI, it was never going to be easy for the Gabane lads.

Santos were one of the sides rocked by controversies in the past transfer window, when two of their brightest youngsters, Mogakolodi Ngele and Thato Bolweleng demanded transfers. Although they managed to hold on to them, the two players were conspicuously absent on Sunday and it remains to be seen whether an amicable solution will be reached between the two parties.

Two other Premier League newcomers, Miscellaneous and TASC did not really have an opportunity to test their strength as they played each other in the first game. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw. Nico United once again made a positive start when they edged Motlakase 2-1 on Saturday.

Nico have made several good signings including former Extension Gunners' striker, Bernard Semakwezi who scored on his debut. Gunners have started on a poor note as they lost 1-0 to town rivals, BMC. Police XI beat BDF XI 1-0, to give coach Clever Hunda a winning start.