Clash of the titans

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday January 29, 2010 00:00

 

Hordes of Rollers and Chiefs' supporters are expected to fill the stadium to the rafters as the two sides clash for the second time in as many months. Both teams are enjoying a good run, with Rollers top with 38 points while Chiefs are five points behind and yet to lose a game.

The two rivals will be under immense pressure as Rollers need victory to open an eight-point lead while Chiefs desperately need to reduce the gap to two points. It is not clear whether Rollers' new signing, Powell Abednico will make his debut on Sunday since he has not been playing for a while. Three of Rollers' key players, Edwin Olerile, Lawrence Majawa and Oscar Ncenga have been carrying knocks although they are expected to have recovered fully for the game.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Rollers' captain, Joel Mogorosi emphasised the need to win the game. He revealed that they are top of the log because they take each game as it comes. The speedy winger attributed the team's resurgence to the arrival of seasoned players like Tebogo Mothusi, Nelson Gabolwelwe and Pius Kolagano.

'We played well even last season but we cracked under pressure because we lacked players with experience,' he said.

Chiefs desperately need to cut Rollers' lead and the best way would be to do it themselves this Sunday. In the first round tie, they were dominated in the first half but managed to come back twice to get a 2-2 draw. It will be interesting to see how Wesley Mondo picks his team especially upfront where he has Kekaetswe Moloi, Sekhana Koko, Lesego Galenamotlhale and Musonda Mweuku.

In other games, Gaborone United fresh from thumping Combination Stars 13-0 in the Coca-Cola Cup will host Police XI tonight in Molepolole.

The game kicks off at 7pm. Although the defending champions have failed to replicate last season's dominance in the league, they have recently showed glimpses of what made them winners last season with a good performance against Rollers.

Motlakase lock horns with Boteti Young Fighters in Selebi-Phikwe and Notwane host TAFIC in Molepolole. The games kick-off at 3.30pm. After the Notwane-TAFIC match, BDF XI will battle it out with Nico United in Molepolole from 6pm.