It's derby time

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday November 30, 2007 00:00

 

BMC salvaged a 1-1 draw away against Jwaneng Comets. Gunners' win relieved pressure from embattled coach Clever Hunda. 

Yesterday, he told Mmegi Sport that his players need no motivation to take on their Lobatse neighbours on Sunday. 'We would not want to lose to BMC especially after our performance against Rollers. Though our preparations have been affected by rain yesterday (Wednesday), I think we will be ready for the big game,' he said.

After an impressive display against Rollers, midfielder Kemmy 'Gweru' Pilato will sit out the BMC game because of suspension. Thulani Moyo and Mogorosi Magetse have also been ruled out because of injuries. 'I would not want to risk my players because we still have a long way to go. As a coach, you should have confidence in your players and I believe that those who will come in for them will not disappoint,' said a confident Hunda, a former BMC coach now in his third stint at Gunners.

After the victory over Rollers, those close to Mapantsula believe that their team has potential to compete with the best. Hunda himself told Mmegi Sport that he would not like to lose to his former team. 'I also do not want to be beaten by their coach (Cosmas Zulu) because we were rivals during our playing days in Zimbabwe,' he said.

One Gunners' player that must be looking forward to the game is nippy striker Otlaadisa 'TRX' Mohambi. He left BMC under a cloud at the start of the season and he would like to prove a point to his former employers. Since joining Mapantsula, Mohambi has been in fine form. 'We have to carry on with the attitude that we showed against Rollers and we cannot afford to lose to BMC. I am going to make BMC pay for underrating my talent,' he said. BMC coach Cosmas Zulu, cannot wait for his first Lobatse derby. 'Derbies are not won by the coaches but the players. There is a lot of pride at stake and I hope my players understand that,' he said. Zulu is worried by the failure of his players to convert the chances they create. He hopes that his players would have composure in front of goal this time around. BMC will rely on the likes of Phemelo Ditsile and Kenanao Kgetholetsile to score goals. Zulu says he would not like to lose to his compatriot Hunda. 'Go and tell him (Hunda) that I would not like to lose him,' said the BMC coach. Kick off is at 4pm.