The first two of the 240 Premiership matches will be played this evening but eyes will be on the National Stadium as traditional rivals and potential challengers, Gaborone United and Township Rollers clash at 7pm. It is a top-billing clash in the new FNB Botswana-sponsored league. The commercial bank has pumped just over P9 million per season and clubs will bite their bottom lip for most parts of the campaign after battling for no reward for close to five years. The two Gaborone rivals will enjoy the attention tonight but both technical benches will be gunning for a perfect start and of course the bragging rights of the capital city. Former Zebras’ head coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote returns to the Rollers’ seat with his second debut tonight. He will look to extend his Rollers’ unbeaten streak in the league to 18 games after he led Popa to the league title in 2018 with a 17-game unbeaten run.
He returns at a time when there is a level of euphoria at the club under the leadership of Tendani Sebata. Popa has 11 recruits including the return of midfielder, Mothusi Cooper and Mpote would hope that against GU, his side would gel as a team. The odds are on Mpote’s side as Rollers have dominated the tie over the years. In the last 26 clashes, Popa have 10 wins compared to GU’s seven whilst nine matches ended in a stalemate. The Reds have over the years enjoyed dominance over the Blues and Mpote expects yet another tough encounter. “We expect a very tactical game and as coaches, we always have our bags packed because when you lose you go. But of course, I am home and playing GU as a rival. It is always difficult for us. I tried the atmosphere of a packed Stadium when we played Chiefs (in a friendly game),” said Mpote at a press conference held yesterday.
