Buffaloes target top spot

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Friday December 10, 2010 00:00

 

Buffaloes are third behind Killer Giants and leaders Jwaneng Comets. A win tomorrow will propel them to the top of the standings as they trail Comets by only two points. For Letlapeng, the match offers a chance to snatch three vital points to enhance their title chances. The first round has not been good for the Ramotswa side as they find themselves in position seven, way behind fellow promotion chasers Comets, Buffaloes and Killer Giants. To the surprise of many, Buffaloes have been on a steady rise. A 4-3 win over Young Strikers seemed to confirm their title ambitions but a draw last Sunday against struggling Mathaithai somehow sent mixed signals about their form. Buffaloes need to win against Letlapeng to convince skeptics that they have the steam to go all the way.

The experience of hard working midfielder Kavidzedi 'King' Kavidzedi should stand them in good stead against the hungry Letlapeng. The unforgiving Letlapeng fans will add to the weight of expectation when the two sides meet at the Ramotswa Show. Buffaloes have agile striker Puso Mangadi who could prove a handful for David Mfolo and company in the Letlapeng defence.

Letlapeng boasts better experience than their visitors and this could work to their advantage if they play as a unit. Captain Donald Mopako has been a great influence and so has been former international Tshepiso 'Sox' Molwantwa. The Buffaloes' defence need to  be at its best to close down the likes of Jabu Mosalakgoko and Phuduhutswana.

In another game, strugglers Queens Happy Hearts face Young Strikers at SSG Ground. After trailing 3-0 in the first 30 minutes to Buffaloes last Saturday, Strikers came very close to sharing the spoils, fighting gallantly to reduce the score to 4-3.

Moshe 'Killer' Dipatane's charges only need to concentrate from the first whistle to avoid chasing the game.

Although they did not start well, Strikers have recently been doing well only faltering against Buffaloes after two successive wins. Apart from the fact that being bottom of the log has put them under tremendous pressure, Happy Hearts are still reeling from the 4-2 defeat to Mathaithai last weekend and it remains to be seen how they respond in this crucial encounter.