Nato, Dambe to miss derby

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

 

Both Nato and Dambe will miss the game due to suspension after picking two yellow cards. Dambe, a pivotal figure in the plans of Rollers' coach, Wesley Mondo, got a second yellow card during the game against Miscellaneous last weekend.

As a result, he sits out of Sunday's match. The reigning be MOBILE Premier League player of the year has featured in all Rollers' games this season and was instrumental in the team's league triumph last season.He has been one of the most consistent performers for the log leaders this season. The man who would have naturally stepped in the breach in his absence is Goitseone Morake who is however at Black Peril on loan. The only option is Mampule Masule who is still learning the ropes and GU will be given for fancying their chances with him in goal.

However, Rollers' goalkeeper coach, Thabo Motang who mentored Dambe, is not worried about the shot stopper's absence.

Motang said the fact that young Masule was signed as Rollers' number two goalkeeper is proof that he has potential. But his first start for Rollers could have arrived at a wrong time. This is a game that could make or break him.

The youngster was given a run in the dying minutes of the game against Miscellaneous, perhaps to give him a feel of the action. Motang believes the young goalkeeper is capable of doing well in the Sunday game. 'He is part of the national Under-17 team and is doing well. I have worked with him and have faith that he will do well in the game. It is only that he has not been playing regularly,' said Motang, regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to come out of Botswana.

Like Dambe, Nato, the defensive midfield pillar in the GU engine room might be sorely missed.

His absence could give his opposite number, Lawrence Majawa, the space to boss the midfield. The gangly Nato has been an integral part of GU for the past two seasons, which saw his star rise. He was the be MOBILE Premier League player's player of the year in his first season at GU. He has shone for the national team and was the outstanding player in the Zebras' victory over Togo last month.

GU coach, Mike Sithole, said his charges are ready for the clash except for those in camp with the Zebras. He said as a coach, there is not much to tell the players ahead of the clash as each one of them is looking forward to compete in the game.

He said the Sunday game could go either way. The Reds are eight points behind Rollers with a game in hand and Sithole said victory will be very important.

In other Premier League matches, ECCO City Greens face a difficult task in Gaborone when they take on BDF XI at SSKB tomorrow.

BDF XI have lost their last two games against Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs and will be in no mood for slip-ups. ECCO could top the log standings for the second time this season if they win against BDF XI and Rollers lose to GU. But it will be a very tough encounter as BDF XI have shown they are a tough side despite losing to Rollers and Chiefs.

While Chiefs host Miscellaneous at Molepolole Sports Complex, Nico United and Uniao Flamengo Santos face-off in Selebi-Phikwe as Police XI travel to Francistown to confront TAFIC. Extension Gunners and Black Peril lock horns at the old Lobatse Stadium.

On Sunday, bottom-placed Motlakase will face another struggling side, TASC, in what could be an exciting affair. BMC and Notwane meet at Lobatse Stadium. All games kick-off at 3.30pm