Mouth-watering ties in the First Division

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Friday February 19, 2010 00:00

 

The top-of-the-table clash between surprise leaders, Black Peril and fellow title contenders Prisons XI is the pick of the weekend. The game will be played at Sharps Ground in Gaborone. Black Peril coach, Thalobo 'Machine' Nthaga will test his wits against his Prisons XI counterpart, Moitatedi 'Juluka' Rankhudu. Second-placed Letlapeng host stubborn Moshupa side, Mathaithai FC who have been doing well since their promotion at the beginning of the season.

Like Black Peril, Mathaithai have been playing like seasoned campaigners. They play entertaining soccer which saw them storm into the round of 16 in the Coca-Cola Cup. They bowed out to Premier League side, Extension Gunners last weekend.

Their strong performance against Gunners left many in awe though they lost 3-1.  Mathaithai coach Enos Mmesi and his troops are aware that home advantage will not be enough to overcome their inexperienced but exciting opponents. 

Another title contender, Mogoditshane Fighters host unpredictable Kgabosetso Southern Callies in Mogoditshane. Coach Letang Kgengwenyane will be looking to bounce back after his side's slide from top spot to third last weekend. Playing in front of the home fans could boost Fighters.

Struggling Young Strikers face fellow strugglers Eastern Tigers of Mochudi at SSG Ground in Gaborone. Strikers recently re-united with Botshelo 'Observer' Pelokgosi who quit his coaching post at Letlapeng. 

Tigers have found the going tough since promotion four seasons ago and the current campaign is no different. 

Though he failed to make any meaningful impact at ambitious Letlapeng, Pelokgosi is one of the most resourceful coaches in the division and his magic seem to work better when he is with Young Strikers. Eastern Tigers could be in for a torrid time tomorrow. Tlokweng United, who have been inconsistent after an early season promise, play Mochudi Buffaloes, a team that has been unpredictable in the last three seasons.

The game will be played at Tlokweng VDC Ground. On Sunday, Masitaoka visit former Premier League side, Naughty Boys who are still hoping to bounce back after one season in the lower division. The Molepolole-based Masitaoka, has been playing well this season hence their current fifth position on the log.