Top clash marks resumption of rugby league

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Friday July 9, 2010 00:00

The league has been on a three-month break. It started in April and enters its seventh and final group stage before the quarterfinals on July 17. Gunners'coach, Neal Gouws said he is excited about hosting Cheetahs at a time when the Phikwe Mascom Marathon is taking place as this might increase spectatorship for their game. He said the atmosphere would be totally different from what the players are used to. 'We normally struggle to get 100 spectators during league games, and this will be an exciting experience for the players,' he explained. Gouws said Gunners will be under pressure to win their home game.

'There is a lot of pressure on the players but Gunners know how to perform under pressure,' he said. He expects a tough encounter against Cheetahs although he is confident of victory.

'We have always viewed Cheetahs as our mentors but things are different this time round,' he said. Gouws said since last year, Gunners' confidence has grown, making them a better team. Gunners were barely recognisable until last year when they became the first northern team to win the league title.

Gouws said even though they have not had intensive training in the last three weeks, the players are eager to go back to play.

Cheetahs' manager, Marula Ncube said they are out to halt Gunners' surge. He derided Gunners' league triumph as a fluke and his side will be out to prove this tomorrow. 'Cheetahs are very experienced and we are going back to the top just like in previous seasons,' he said. He asserted that Gunners play with speed while Cheetahs play contact rugby. 'We will use this against them by blocking all their front line players and prevent them from scoring,' he said.

Ncube said he is not intimidated by the expected big crowd. 'By the end of the first half, all the spectators would have abandoned Gunners for Cheetahs,' he said. He said winning this weekend's game will put them in good stead for a semi-final spot. Gaborone Hogs are at the top with 25 points followed by Gunners with 23 and Cheetahs with 22. Hogs face UB Rhinos in Gaborone while Desert Whales take on Sharks in Francistown.  Rhinos are fourth ahead of Hungry Lions, Sharks, Whales and Tuskers.