Giants go head-to-head

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday March 5, 2010 00:00

While GU made their mark in Africa, Gunners were busy dismantling Notwane to keep pace with leaders, Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

There is no doubt that morale is very high in both camps ahead of the clash. While Gunners have proved this season that they can be a championship side, GU on the contrary have failed to show the form that gave them the title last season. It will be interesting to see how coaches, Daniel 'Chico' Nare and Manfred Chabinga will approach the game but there is no doubt about the two sides' attacking prowess.

Gunners have the second best defence in the league after Rollers. They have conceded 23 goals this season compared to 17 by Rollers. Credit has always gone to Gunners' strikers but one reason they have been so difficult to beat is their underrated defence. Gunners' other strength is that they do not depend entirely on one player for goals.

Even when striker, Bernard Semakwezi hits a dry spell, they have always managed to find the back of the net through the likes of Monageng Thaele, Christopher Ndiyashimiye, Kgololo Leteane and Maano Ditshupo. It will be an interesting duel in the midfield between the two sides.

The good news for Gunners' supporters is that Kemmy Pilato has fully recovered from an injury that has sidelined him for the better part of the season. He might start on Sunday.

When GU introduced attacking midfielders, Stephen Maposa and Vincent 'Ortega' Phiri against Pirates last Sunday, they were trailing 2-0 but the two exciting players made an immediate impact and drove GU to the famous result away from home. This could create a headache for coach, Manfred Chabinga. He must decide whether to start with the two midfielders or stick to the partnership of Tshepo Molefe and Mamikina Mayinga. It was Phiri's two beautiful corner kicks that buried Pirates. Maposa headed in one of the corners for the all-important equaliser.

Gunners won the first round tie against GU 2-1. Despite GU taking an early lead through Wellington Maposa, Gunners re-grouped and goals in each half from Monametsi 'Sunday' Kelebale and Burundian striker, Aime Nzohambanayo ensured victory for the Lobatse side. Kelebale has since moved to his old club, Nico United.