The key battles in the Gaborone derby

| Friday November 5, 2010 00:00

 

Joel Mogorosi (Rollers) vs  Kaelo Kgaswane (GU)If there is a contest for the best player in the league so far this season, Rollers' captain, Joel Mogorosi will be a favourite to win. Sunday's battle against traditional rivals, GU will present another opportunity for Mogorosi who has played in Cyprus before, to impress the scouts. But the speedy winger could meet his match in Kaelo Kgaswane who has monopolised the left back position at GU this season.  The youngster has a lot of confidence but his true credentials would be tested on Sunday in what could be GU's biggest game so far. Mogorosi has managed to come tops in all the big games he has played for Rollers this season, most notably against ECCO City Greens, where he scored two goals and Mochudi Centre Chiefs where he provided two assists in the 2-1 victory.

Ronald Chikomo (GU) vs Kgomari Mothuba (Rollers)This will be one of the most interesting battles on Sunday. With the departure of defender, Itayi Gwandu from Rollers to Chiefs, Mothuba was left to fill the void. Some pundits question his ability to read the game and his decision-making but he has always played well when assigned to mark dangerous strikers. He is a hard tackler as well and most strikers in the league know this.  Which is why he wins the ball in most 50-50 situations. Chikomo on the other hand is not only a tough striker but a very clever player. The fact that Rollers will be missing their number one goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe, might serve as a motivation for GU strikers, Chikomo included. This could pose danger to the likes of Mothuba as strikers will know that beating the Rollers' defence could be enough to get a goal against inexperienced Mampule Mesule between the posts.

However, this could be an advantage for Rollers whose defence is likely to work extra-hard to provide cover for the young goalkeeper.

Sekhana Koko (Rollers) vs Gabriel Bokhutlo (GU)Another interesting contest will be between Koko and Bokhutlo.

Both players are very quick although Koko is faster on the ball. Bokhutlo has been overlooked by the national team selectors while Koko getting several call-ups has not been given enough game time.

This could be a chance for both to convince the national team selectors and an interesting duel is on the cards.

Tshepo 'Schoolboy' Molefe (GU) vs Lawrence Majawa (Rollers)GU will surely feel the absence of Ofentse Nato for this match in the middle of the park. This could prove costly because Rollers have been very tight in this department.

Majawa and Abednico Powell or Amos Godirwang have been suffocating opponents in the middle and the presence of Nato would have helped GU. But GU have plenty of attacking midfielders at their disposal who could keep Majawa at bay.

It depends on how coach Mike Sithole selects the team. It remains to be seen whether he would prefer Vincent Phiri, Mirror Simanyana or Molefe.

The fact that Molefe would be playing against his former team could make his duel against Majawa interesting. Majawa is a good reader of the game and a good marker while Molefe protects the ball well and passes superbly.