GU vs Rollers: The past meets the present

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday January 15, 2010 00:00

 

While GU enjoyed their place in the sun in the last campaign, it is Rollers who are riding the crest of the wave this season.

Rollers have been ruthless in their campaign, trailblazing their way to the top and look destined for their first title in five years.

Rahman Gumbo's charges have been defeated only once this season and a win over GU will go a long way in cementing them as firm favourites for the title.

Rollers have defeated two perceived giants of local football, Notwane and Extension Gunners and played to a 2-2 draw against another big team, Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
If GU defeat Rollers, they will be the first to do so among the so-called big clubs. But current form does not suggest that GU have the capacity to halt the roaring Rollers.

GU started the year badly after going down 1-0 to Police XI while Rollers continued their ruthless march with a 3-0 thumping of Motlakase last weekend.

The reigning champions find themselves in a distant sixth on the log, a massive 17 points off the pace, which has left them with an insurmountable task in their quest to retain their crown.

The death of their captain, Joseph 'Big Joe' Phetogo on Christmas eve is a huge blow to the side that has struggled for rhythm this season. GU are not the same side that blasted its way to a first title in 19 years last season.

The arrival of big striker Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo might be the tonic that the Reds need to turn around their season.

Mabogo has made a switch from cross-town rivals, Chiefs and as a proven striker, he might end GU's scoring problems.

The presence of new Zambian coach, Manfred Chibanga is expected to stem the tide. Last weekend's loss to Police XI was the Zambian's first in three matches after he recorded back-to-back victories prior to the Christmas break. GU beat TAFIC 2-1 before edging Uniao Flamengo Santos by the same score.

Rollers on the other hand, are undefeated since a shock 1-0 loss to Santos early in the season.

Driven by the goal-scoring prowess of Terrence Mandaza, Rollers will come out of the UB Stadium dug-out as firm favourites for the three points. Mandaza has been in swashbuckling goal-scoring form having rattled the net 16 times.

In sharp contrast, GU have struggled to find the net and their leading scorer is Sageby Sandaka with a measly six goals.

But as Rollers' coach, Rahman Gumbo put it, derbies are not easy to predict.
Although Gumbo and the rest of Rollers' staff walk with a spring in their step, they refuse to gloat publicly or be outright optimistic.

'We take each game as it comes. We do not want to think about anything. Derbies are tricky and we cannot take GU lightly,' Gumbo said.

Defender Oscar Ncenga is out through injury, otherwise Gumbo is spoilt for choice with a fully fit squad.

Gumbo's GU counterpart, Chibanga said it would be tough playing a Rollers' side which is on fire.

'We are expecting a tough match as Rollers are on fire. We have to be well prepared,' Chibanga said.

He said they have put the Police XI defeat behind them and now firmly focusing on the GU encounter.

Chibanga, who arrived from Swaziland, said he expects his team to improve with time, blaming the festive season break for disturbing their momentum.

Kenny Ledikwe is struggling with an injury while Gabriel Boikutlo is making progress towards recovery from his long term injury.

In other league encounters, second-placed Chiefs meet Police XI in Molepolole tomorrow afternoon hoping to keep within striking distance of Rollers. Chiefs brushed aside a timid Boteti Young Fighters challenge in the last encounter, winning 3-0, while Police XI are fresh from a 1-0 shock result over GU.

Extension Gunners take the long trip to Selebi-Phikwe to play Nico United, who are on a slump.
The rest of the fixtures are as follows.

Saturday
Killer Giants vs Ecco City Greens (Lobatse)
Boteti Young Fighters vs Jwaneng Comets (Orapa)
BDF XI vs TAFIC (Otse)
Motlakase vs Uniao Flamengo Santos (Francistown)

Sunday
BMC vs Notwane (Lobatse)
Kick-off for all games is 4pm, except the BDF/TAFIC and Rollers/GU matches which start at 330pm.