Kabelano draw sets tongues wagging

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Thursday August 8, 2013 00:00

 

The one-day football spectacular will be played on August 17 at the New Lobatse Stadium. Chiefs, who won the competition last time, will play against Nico United at 10:00 am in the first match. Nico will play in the competition for the first time. The two sides will renew their rivalry after an interesting battle for the be MOBILE Premier League title last season.Nico United have since lost two prolific strikers, Master Masitara and Bonolo Fraizer, who played a crucial role in Nico United's league pursuit last season. Masitara has returned to his home country, Zimbabwe while Fraizer has joined Chiefs. He will face his former teammates for the first time in the one-day tournament. Chiefs have reportedly made several new signings among them Ontse Ntesa, Patrick Lenyeletse and Onalethata Tshekiso. Lemponye Tshireletso is also said to be on his way to the national champions. Nico United on the other hand are said to have replaced Fraizer and Masitara.

'We will unveil the new players at the game. I cannot reveal anything for now,' Nico spokesperson Kgakgamatso Moreetsi said after the draw. He said they are not afraid of Chiefs. 'Last season we found ourselves in pole position to win the league unexpectedly and we panicked. However we are ready for any situation now,' he said. Nico are still holding onto their two attacking midfielders, Topo Piet and Gift Moyo despite huge interest from some big guns.Chiefs spokesperson Clifford Mogomotsi stated that Chiefs are a well-known brand, which recently exported five quality players.  'I can assure you that you will not be disappointed by the brand of football we will display on the day,' he said. Rollers will lock horns with Gunners at 10: 30 am in the battle of the sides with a large following. Rollers recently paraded about 13 new players and a newly assembled technical team. They are expected to leave for Rustenburg for a training camp today. Gunners on the other hand have been quiet in the transfer market.

They lost their public relations officer, Abdul Kgengwenyane last Friday in a terrible accident that left the football fraternity shocked. A moment of silence was observed at the Kabelano draw in honor of the departed official.Club secretary Mosimanegape Seitshiro was adamant that the stadium will be dominated by the black and white colours, especially that they will be playing home. 'We have never had problems beating Rollers and we will maintain that,' he said.  Rollers spokesperson Peggy Mokwakwa was also confident that their supporters will come in large numbers. She does not see Gunners as a threat to winning the competition.Tickets are selling at Choppies outlets around the country. Spectators will be entertained through music performances, motorcycle stunts and sky divers.