At the time, the team which sent Rollers to the dusty first division grounds was Lobtrans Gunners, the team they are meeting in their last 2006/7 Mascom Premier League encounter at the National Stadium tomorrow. It was former Rollers' top marksman, the late Joseph Chikoti who scored a brace in a 2-1 win. Fortunately, Mapalastina made a quick return to the elite league.
But the pain has been hard to bear for the Rollers' fraternity and since then, they have vowed that Gunners would pay heavily for their 'sins'. Since their return in the 2003/4 season, both sides have never met when they needed points badly but this time round, it is different. While in 2002 Rollers went straight to the dusty grounds, if Rollers beat Gunners and Jwaneng Comets win at home to Notwane, Mapantsula will have to try their luck at the promotional play-offs.
A lot will be at stake this weekend because Gunners need a point to dodge the dreaded axe, while Rollers need a point to secure their place in the top eight bracket. Gunners are currently lying in 13th spot in the Premier League with 31 points, while Rollers are eighth with 39 points
In an interview with Mmegi Sport yesterday, Rollers mouthpiece Kaizer Sekaba said that since Gunners consigned them to the lower divisions, there has been never a right platform like tomorrow, to send their arch-rivals to the cleaners. "We've not forgotten what Gunners did to us some years ago and they'll pay heavily.
Those close to Rollers will admit that it was a painful experience. I promise that we're not going to do Gunners favours as we're looking forward to closing the season in style," Sekaba said. The spokesperson said that this week Rollers' players have been training hard and pleaded with Rollers' supporters to come in droves to rally behind the team. In their last game, Rollers suffered a shocking 1-0 loss to Comets while Gunners crashed 3-2 to Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Rollers' coaching staff will be hoping that captain Onalethata Tshekiso, Kaone Molefe and Thapelo Balepi deliver the goals, which will get them maximum points.
Gunners' Fewdays Musonda said that they are ready for the challenge. Judging by their performance against Chiefs, Rollers will be in for a torrid time. "It's a do or die game for us. It's important for the players to win this game for the supporters as we close on the season," he told Mmegi Sport. Musonda has respect for their opponents, saying that they are a good side. System Mubi, Ofentse Mmipi and Othusitse Mahube will lead the attack. At the back, Finkie Mothibi, Owen Molato and David Tsalaile will guard their goal. The game kicks off at 3pm.
