Chiefs, Rollers face banana skins

411,Boitumelo Khutsafalo,phpCD8F.tmp.jpg, | Wednesday May 18, 2016 00:00

The race intensified this week following another title contender, Orapa United’s 3-0 win over BR Highlanders on Tuesday.  The victory saw Orapa United draw level with Chiefs on points although Magosi have a superior goal difference. They are both two points behind the log leaders with the league now on its final lap.

The Ostriches will be away to relegation candidates, Motlakase Power Dynamos, this evening in Serowe.

In the first round, Rollers survived a scare against Gunners with their goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe, making several match winning saves. They ended up winning by a solitary goal with Gunners all over them especially in the second half. Tomorrow, they meet at a time when a lot is at stake for both sides. Gunners, currently occupying the ninth spot on the log, are still fighting for a top eight finish.

A slight slip up could see their dreams shattered with just six games remaining. Rollers as well cannot afford to drop points at this time with both Chiefs and Orapa United breathing on their necks.

Gunners’ main undoing in the first round was poor finishing in front of goals but should be oozing with confidence this time around after signing Kekaetswe Moloi recently. Moloi is a proven goal scorer and his partnership with Moemedi Moatlhaping gives Gunners supporters hope ahead of tomorrow’s clash against a defence that had tasted defeat only twice this season. They will be without Monageng Thaele, Finkie Mothibi and Emmanuel Machinya but Topo Piet is said to have fully recovered and available for selection.  Gunners will have to be at their best defensively with Rollers wingers currently on fire.

The arrival of Mark Harrison this season as a coach has ignited Gofaone Tiro’s career and he has been a revelation for Rollers on the right wing in recent matches. Galagwe Moyana has also fitted in perfectly and provides options in terms of dead ball situations as well as telling crosses.

In Molepolole, Chiefs will hope to recover from their Mascom Top 8 defeat to Rollers when they take on unpredictable Police XI.  By the time the two teams meet, Chiefs will be aware of how the two other title contenders, Rollers and Orapa United had fared in the early kick-offs. 

Coach Mike Sithole decried lack of depth following their loss to Rollers last week. Chiefs were without striker, Onalethata Tshekiso (injury) and Kaelo Kgaswane (suspension). Chiefs were further dealt a blow this week with news that key defender, Keabetswe Jenamiso will miss the rest of the season with an injury. They are currently trying to register Sageby Sandaka to bolster their squad in the remaining games.

Police XI will not be an easy side with tried and tested campaigners led by captain Betsho Pius.

They are currently in position six and a victory could see them move to number five. Besides Pius, The Jungle Kings will also be pinning their hopes on exciting midfielder, Tapiwa Gadibolae and striker, Phenyo Molefe for goals. Orapa United will move to the top of the league table tonight if they overcome Motlakase.