City rivals GU, Rollers face off

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday September 16, 2011 00:00

 

 The two sides have experienced contrasting fortunes since the league started, with GU showing early intentions while their rivals, Rollers had a slow start. Until last Saturday when they hammered FC Satmos 4-1, Rollers had failed to reproduce the performance that saw them win the league title twice in a row.

The Reds will be without two of their best performers this season, Mandla Mgadla and Alphonso Modisaotsile who received their marching orders during the 2-1 victory over TAFIC last Saturday. Mgadla has shown tremendous improvement this season by not only beating opponents through speed and trickery but has also scored crucial goals for GU. Modisaotsile on the other hand has fitted like a glove in The Reds' midfield following his transfer from TAFIC at the start of the season. Their absence could give Rollers the edge especially on the wings where Mgadla is expected to keep either Edwin Olerile or Simisani Mathumo on the back foot. The two Rollers full backs often pose danger going forward. It will be interesting to see former teammates at Uniao Flamengo Santos, Mogakolodi Ngele, Thato Bolweleng and Bakang Moeng facing each other for the first time. When Ngele and Bolweleng moved to Rollers, Moeng crossed over to GU. An interesting battle is anticipated in the middle of the park where Ofentse Nato and possibly Tshepo Molefe will face Lawrence Majawa and Ntesang Simanyana. Simanyana moved from GU to Rollers at the start of the season.

Rollers' coach Wesley Mondo said his side has almost caught the rhythm following their victory over FC Satmos last Saturday. 'We are almost getting there and after bringing in a couple of new signings, I think the team is now starting to gel,' he said. He said the new signings have fitted in well. Mondo also said he expects to have a full squad for the massive fixture. 'Most of the players who had been carrying knocks have recovered,' he added.

His GU counterpart, Elvis Chiweshe, on the other hand said they would treat the game just like any other although they are aware that they are playing the defending champions. He said the absence of Modisaotsile and Mgadla would not be a major concern because they have equally capable players. There are worries over GU's discipline on the field after five red cards in four matches.  However, Chiweshe is taking everything in his stride. He said that most of the cards have been issued to his players on the field and therefore he would not regard that as indiscipline.

At Lobatse Stadium, Mochudi Centre Chiefs host hoodoo side, ECCO City Greens. The two sides have never failed to provide a spectacle whenever they meet since ECCO was promoted to the Premier League in 2005. ECCO have been inconsistent this season, losing twice, drawing once and winning one game. Chiefs have only dropped points once, against BDF XI. Against Santos last Saturday, Chiefs proved that even after a player exodus, they still have the depth to compete for top honours. Kekaetswe Moloi seems to have taken over where Moemedi Moatlhaping left upfront. Yesterday, Moatlhaping was fighting for his transfer to Rollers at the Players Status Committee (PSC).

In Francistown, Great North Tigers (GNT) face wounded TAFIC while high riding BDF XI host FC Satmos at the SSKB Stadium. Police XI, who are having a poor season, welcome fellow strugglers, Miscellaneous at Otse Police College.  On Sunday, town rivals BMC and Extension Gunners clash at the Lobatse Stadium. The game should be a thriller if the performances of the two teams early in the season is anything to go by. Gunners go into the game having lost to BDF XI last weekend while BMC easily brushed ECCO aside. At SSKB Stadium, Mogoditshane Fighters host Notwane. All matches start at 3.30pm except the Rollers/GU encounter, which kicks off at 5pm.