Lobatse Stadium opens with titanic clash

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Wednesday September 29, 2010 00:00

 

The game kicks off at 3.30pm. The titanic clash was initially scheduled for Friday night at the UB Stadium but has since been moved to Independence Day following the availability of the Lobatse Stadium. The stadium has missed several deadlines, which included the June 11 World Cup kick-off date.

After missing the World Cup deadline, the stadium was scheduled to be opened by Mozambican President, Armando Guebuza on July 6. But the event was postponed due to the visiting president's tight schedule and uncompleted works. Premier League sides should heave a sigh of relief following the facility's completion as the old Lobatse Stadium has a smaller capacity.

The game between GU and Gunners is expected to be a thriller as there is more than just three points at stake.Both sides want to be on the positive side of history and become the first to register a victory at the new stadium. Hordes of football lovers are expected to throng the stadium to witness the opening especially as it will be during Independence Day. The game presents GU with an opportunity to go top of the log standings for the first time this season as leaders, Township Rollers, and ECCO City Greens, only play on Sunday. A draw would not be enough to topple both Rollers and ECCO as the Reds will remain third. It will be interesting to see how Mike Sithole will pick his side after most of his key players including Sageby Sandaka and Tshepo Molefe sat on the bench in the last fixture. Ntesang Simanyana who made a rare start against Black Peril was impressive. Gunners on the other hand will once again look up to Kgololo Leteane who has been in top form this season. Striker Tiroyamodimo Mohambi will have an opportunity to try and prove his former employers wrong. GU released Mohambi at the end of last season. 

On Saturday, Mochudi Centre Chiefs host struggling Motlakase at the Molepolole Sports Complex. Chiefs have not been consistent this season while Motlakase are yet to win a game. Notwane will face Black Peril at Otse Police College while struggling BDF XI lock horns with TAFIC at SSKB Stadium. TASC host Uniao Flamengo Santos while Miscellaneous take on Nico.

On Sunday, Rollers play BMC in Molepolole while ECCO host Police XI at the Francistown Stadium. The games kick offf at 3.30pm.