Can GU delay Rollers?

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday January 28, 2011 00:00

 

UB Stadium is expected to be filled to capacity tomorrow night as the two traditional rivals clash. The match is expected to be a thriller despite GU having lost 3-0 against Mochudi Centre Chiefs in a game that they literally never stirred to life.

Seen as one of the favourites to win the league at the start of the campaign, GU never really maintained the much-needed consistency, which has seen them fall way behind other contenders, Rollers, ECCO City Greens and Chiefs.

This led to the management sacking coach Mike Sithole and releasing several players. Against Chiefs, GU never really proved their class and were completely dominated in all departments. Many GU supporters would be expecting their side to turn the corner against Rollers. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first round. Ronald Chikomo remains a threat to the opponents although he has recently been relegated to the bench. Coach Letang Kgengwenyane, who has taken over temporarily, knows very well the strength and weaknesses at Rollers and a victory against the log leaders could all but convince the management that he can lead the side on a permanent basis. 

Rollers, on the other hand, proved for the second game in a row that they still have the players to win the league even after their former captain Joel Mogorosi joined bitter rivals, Chiefs. Mogorosi was absent in the match against Notwane which Rollers won 3-1. Although he said he was injured at the time, there are some allegations that at the time, he had already made up his mind that he was joining Chiefs. Mogorosi finally joined Chiefs this week in a move that shocked many people. Many had expected that after his shocking departure, Rollers would struggle against Uniao Flamengo Santos on Wednesday but they went on to trounce the Gabane boys 6-2. Although they are completely two different players, Mohammed Chawila is said to have had a fantastic game in a role that was usually played by Mogorosi. Sekhana Koko looks to be on top of his game, scoring a brace for the second game in a row. The only worrying factor at Rollers was their central defence, which was said to be not up to standard against Santos.

But long-serving defender, Kgomari Mothuba, is said to have recovered from an injury and would most likely be available against GU. Midfielder, Lawrence Majawa was drafted into the heart of defence since Mothuba's injury, leaving a gap in the middle. It is not clear whether Rollers would parade their new signing, Tshepiso Kgosiemang. Rollers were also said to be on the verge of acquiring the signature of BDF XI's hard-tackling defender, Gaopatwe 'Shoes' Seosenyeng at the time of going to press. After Santos' victory, Rollers have now opened a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League log.

Still tomorrow (Saturday), ECCO City Greens host resurgent BDF XI in Francistown. There are unconfirmed reports that all is not well at ECCO camp with the coach, Maxwell Moyo said to be unhappy with some of the decisions taken by the management. But ECCO know very well that they cannot afford to let that kill their momentum, especially with both Rollers and Chiefs winning games. Long-serving midfielder, Zecco Makafiri, has at last been called up for the national team camp and this could be a major boost for the former league champions.

BDF XI seem to have now found the winning formula after a slow start to the season. A 3-1 victory over Notwane on Wednesday moved them into fifth place on the log. Uniao Flamengo Santos welcome Nico United at Molepolole Stadium while Miscellaneous host Chiefs in Selebi-Phikwe. Police XI and TAFIC clash at SSKB Stadium, Gaborone. 

On Sunday, Notwane and BMC lock horns at SSKB Stadium while Black Peril host Extension Gunners at Molepolole Stadium. Struggling sides, TASC and Motlakase, clash at Francistown Stadium. Games kick off at 3.30pm except for the Rollers/GU game which starts at 7pm.