GU, Chiefs clash as league resumes

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Friday November 19, 2010 00:00

 

However, the clash between former champions, Gaborone United and Mochudi Centre Chiefs at the UB Stadium on Sunday afternoon is the big match of the weekend. Third-placed GU will want to win this tie if they still fancy their chances of catching up with leaders, Township Rollers and ECCO City Greens. Chiefs on the other hand enter the game on a high after a 6-0 thumping of debutants Miscellaneous before the break.

The Chiefs-GU duel is spiced up by the rivalry for third spot between the two sides. A win will definitely result in Chiefs toppling the Reds from third spot. 

The rivalry between the two sides has been intensifying since GU beat Magosi in the final game of the 2008-2009 season to clinch the first P1 million top prize in the three-year be MOBILE sponsorship.

GU coach, Mike Sithole should be praying that key midfielder Ofentse Nato returns from mid-week national team duty unscathed to do the job for Moyagoleele in the middle of the park. Nato dished a man of the match performance in the Zebras' 1-0 win against Tunisia on Wednesday and will have to take his form to inspire Moyagoleele to victory against Magosi. GU's performance has been improving lately with only erratic first choice goalkeeper, Kgosietsile Senjoba, as the main worry. Upfront they will be looking to hardworking Stephen Maposa and Zimbabwean Sageby Sandaka to bang in goals. The two, with Zambian Ronald Chikomo, can, on a good day, give the relatively slow Chiefs' defence, a torrid time.

Magosi on the other hand will be looking for inspiration from on-form striker Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping. The forward has made a return to the national team and came in against Tunisia on Wednesday as a late second half substitute. He scored four goals in the slaughter of Miscellaneous a fortnight ago and he will be hoping to continue with his predatory instincts in the league on Sunday. Othusitse 'Jabu' Pilane has proved to be effective on most occasions for Chiefs; coming from the bench and he might be the right man for coach Rahman Gumbo if the going gets tough. Lesego Galenamotlhale and Tshepiso Kgosiemang will also be looking forward to stamp their authority in the Chiefs' midfield. Despite the difficulty in trying to retain his best form since returning from a stint with South African First Division side Bay United, Pontsho Moloi will remain a threat to GU. The pint-sized dribbling wizard can be a thorn in the defenders' flesh and GU might have to assign someone to guard him closely.

In another interesting fixture, high-riding Township Rollers will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table when they visit city rivals, Notwane, at the UB Stadium on Saturday. Rollers are yet to lose a game this season but will have to be careful against an unpredictable Toronto. Though they have struggled in recent years, they have a habit of rising to the occasion and hurting fellow giants. Extension Gunners, without coach Daniel 'Chico' Nare who resigned from the club last week, make the long trip to Francistown to take on second-placed ECCO. A loss will complicate problems at the club. Tomorrow, Miscellaneous take on BDF XI at the Selebi-Phikwe Stadium while Police XI host Motlakase in Otse. Uniao Flamengo Santos welcome TAFIC at the Molepolole Sports Complex while Black Peril and Nico United square off at the SSKB. On Sunday, TASC host BMC at the Francistown Stadium. All games kick-off at 3.30pm.