Bogey side ECCO to test Chiefs

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday November 2, 2012 00:00

 

However, they will still miss defender Thabiso Khunwane who is still out on suspension. The game comes barely four days after Chiefs faced another tough side, Gaborone United (GU) in a game that ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Mpoeleng missed Notwane and GU's matches after being red-carded against BMC. Moloi on the hand missed his side's last match after accumulating three yellow cards.His absence in particular was heavily felt especially in the match that was abandoned due to heavy rains last Saturday. With his vision and creativity, he has no doubt been Chiefs' best player this season. In his absence, Chiefs have failed to find the back of the net with goal poacher, Kekaetswe Moloi not getting enough supply.

An interesting battle of wits is therefore anticipated between him (Dirang) and ECCO's long serving midfielder, Zecco Makafiri. Chiefs have also been boosted by the arrival of skilful winger, David Makakaba. The player has been training with Magosi awaiting his clearance by the Botswana Football Association (BFA). He has been at the centre of a dispute between Chiefs and Police XI who still regard him as their player. Another interesting duel is expected between Chiefs' speedy winger, Phenyo Mongala who is yet to show his true colours in the local league since his return and ECCO's left back, Ontse Ntesa. Ntesa is one local player who managed to contain another speedy winger, Joel Mogorosi on at least two occasions last season.

ECCO are said to have boosted their coaching department with the arrival of former Notwane defender, Blessing Moyo. Their performance has not been what was expected from them this season, but victory over Uniao Flamengo Santos last Sunday could be what they needed ahead of this big clash. Defender, Keabetswe Jenamiso has recently gotten the nod to the national team and can be expected to be oozing with much confidence ahead of his meeting with Kekaetswe 'Mara' Moloi. The match was originally scheduled for Molepolole Sports Complex tomorrow, but moved this week to the next day due to lack of a suitable venue. In another interesting match this weekend, second placed GU take on Extension Gunners at the New Lobatse Stadium tomorrow. GU were looking to climb to position one on the log standings last Saturday, but their match against Chiefs had to be abandoned in the 72nd minute when they were leading 1-0. The 0-0 draw on Wednesday has left them in second place but with the same number of points as Chiefs.

The game against Gunners is expected to be a thriller considering the two sides' positions. Gunners are third on the log and three points behind both Chiefs and GU. Both sides are under the tutelage of local coaches with David Bright leading GU, while Odirile Matlhaku heads Gunners' technical team. It will be interesting to see how Gunners plan their game in midfield where Alphonso Modisaotsile has been dominant for GU. The expectation is that he will come up against his former teammate, Tshepo 'Schoolboy' Molefe who joined Gunners at the beginning of the season.On Sunday, struggling Township Rollers host Motlakase Power Dynamos at Molepolole. Rollers have been firing blanks since the season started, winning only one match out of six. So Rollers supporters will be praying that the return of physical trainer, Professor Ignatius Onyewadume will see a dramatic change in their soccer fortunes.

Full fixtures are:

TonightPrisons XI vs Santos - Molepolole (7pm)

SaturdayBDF XI vs Fighters - SSKB TAFIC vs Notwane - Francistown Nico United vs Miscellaneous - Selebi-Phikwe Gunners vs GU - New Lobatse Stadium

SundayChiefs vs ECCO -SSKB Rollers vs Motlakase - Molepolole.

All matches kick off at 4:00 pm except where indicated.