Tough encounters for strugglers in offing

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday September 24, 2010 00:00

 

Motlakase are home to log leaders and defending champions, Township Rollers at Selebi-Phikwe Stadium; TAFIC take on Mochudi Centre Chiefs in Francistown while TASC are away to Police XI at Otse Police College tomorrow.

It has not been an easy start for the three teams from the southern part of Dibete. They are the only sides, which have not tasted victory with four games played each so far. TASC and Motlakase have only one point each while TAFIC has two. Against Rollers, Motlakase are facing a side that seems to be gradually finding the form that has made them the champions last season. A victory for Rollers will make things even more difficult for Stanley Mwaanga's charges who only entered top flight football last season. It is not always easy playing against a side that is tipped as one of the favourites to win the league but it can again be a blessing in disguise, as the players need motivation. A victory or even a draw could go a long way in boosting the confidence, which seems to be lacking among Motlakase players at the moment. The only setback could be that after Rollers, Motlakase will face another ruthless side, Chiefs, in the next fixture.

Just a week after their 4-0 humiliation by Rollers, TAFIC face another stern test against Chiefs, which despite a 2-0 victory against Nico United last Saturday; looked unimpressive. Moemedi Moatlhaping is slowly returning to form as well as Kekaetswe 'Mara' Moloi. TAFIC lacked firepower against Rollers with the absence of captain Tamocha Bedi. Bedi will miss tomorrow's game as he is still serving suspension for being red-carded in a game against BMC recently.

TASC on the other hand find themselves languishing at the bottom of the log but take a long trip to Otse to face Police XI who seem re-ignited this season under the tutelage of Clever Hunda. Police have won two games, drew one and lost one against Gaborone United (GU). Still on Saturday, BMC will host their brothers, ECCO City Greens, in Lobatse. ECCO have won all their four games and some believe the game against BMC could clearly show whether they are real contenders. Extension Gunners and Miscellaneous clash at UB Stadium while Uniao Flamengo Santos and Notwane lock horns in Molepolole. Nico United host BDF XI in Selebi-Phikwe.

On Sunday, GU will be looking to return to winning ways when they play against Black Peril at UB Stadium. The game was initially scheduled to take place at Molepolole Stadium but has been moved to UB. All the games kick off at 3pm.