Wounded Nico, Chiefs face off

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday September 17, 2010 00:00

Both Nico and Chiefs got rude awakening last weekend as they slumped to their first defeat of the season.Chiefs had dominated Extension Gunners for the past three seasons but found things completely different last Saturday as Gunners proved that they have had enough of being at the receiving end. Nico United on the other hand have been a difficult side to beat for Rollers especially in Selebi-Phikwe but also found Rollers in a mean mood and the 6-1 loss was enough to show the anger Rollers had on the day. It is always difficult to predict games of this magnitude in which both sides are wounded, but an open game is anticipated.

However, Chiefs will always have an upper hand because of the quality of players coach Rahman Gumbo has at his disposal, although it was proved last Saturday that with the right game plan, the Kgatleng side is beatable. Nico have seasoned players who know what to expect in games of this nature. Tendai Ndoro, who scored the consolation goal against Rollers, will once again be key to Nico's attack as well as Monamentsi 'Sunday' Kelebale. It is at the back as well as midfield where they could find it difficult to contain the rampaging Chiefs. Pontsho Moloi will always be a threat to any defence and it will be interesting to see how Willard Khumalo has plans to stop him. A victory for Chiefs will help them keep up with the leading pack while they could live to regret at the end of the season if they lose or play to draw. Nico on the other hand can afford to play for a draw especially as they are away but a loss could prompt their supporters to press the panic buttons.

Still tomorrow, Township Rollers face TAFIC at the SSKB Stadium in a game that could spell doom for the Francistown side if they lose. TAFIC has managed two draws in their three games and sit dangerously in 14th position. It has not always been an easy journey for TAFIC to Gaborone when they face Rollers. Mohammed Chawila will face his former club. The attacking midfielder, who did not get game time last season because of the number of foreign players in the side, seems to have won the heart of Wesley Mondo and has already shown glimpses of his old self. Rollers' captain Joel Mogorosi is enjoying the form of his life and his pace could be a nuisance to the TAFIC's defence. Bedi Tamocha will once again spearhead the visitors' attack. The striker who has for many seasons been linked with a move down south has remained loyal to TAFIC even in difficult times.

In Selebi-Phikwe, there will be an interesting duel between last season's First Division champions, Miscellaneous and Black Peril.

Black Peril tasted their first victory against BDF XI after playing tough sides, Rollers and Chiefs in their first two games. Miscellaneous on the other hand are yet to taste victory in the Premier League. BMC host struggling Motlakase at Lobatse Stadium. Things are not looking good for Stanley Mwaanga and his boys early in the season, having bagged a single point from three games and the Palapye side lies in 15th spot.

BMC are currently fifth with five points. At Francistown Stadium, ECCO City Greens will be home to bottom-placed TASC in a Francistown derby. On paper, ECCO are favourites going into this game after an impressive start to the season in which they find themselves level on points with log leaders, Rollers and GU. With Malepa Bolelang back on top of his game, ECCO could be a difficult customer for TASC who are sitting dangerously at the bottom.

On Sunday, GU face a stern test when they play Uniao Flamengo Santos who tasted their first victory when they beat Miscellaneous last weekend. Santos' season started with controversy when two star players, Mogakolodi Ngele and Thato Bolweleng wrote resignation letters.

The two players wanted to join Rollers. On Monday, both Rollers and Santos gave evidence in front of the Premier League Disciplinary Committee (DC) in a case in which Santos accuse Rollers of tapping their players. The two clubs provided submissions to the DC the following day and the case is expected to resume next week. There is possibility that the two players could be called to give their side of the story. With two players suspended by the club, Santos have been struggling, but will be happy after winning their first match last weekend.

It will be interesting to see how they fare against GU who have not lost a single game since the season started. In another game on Sunday, BDF XI welcome Gunners at SSKB Stadium. All matches kick off at 3pm.