28 Oct 2015

A battle of titans is expected on Saturday evening (October 31) when Township Rollers and Police XI square up in a Mascom Top 8 quarter final first-leg at the National Stadium.  On paper, the on-form Mapalastina will not struggle to dispose of the Jungle Kings.

Rollers have so far won nine and drew three games in the beMOBILE Premiership. However, cup games always prove to be unpredictable and Police might shock Rollers.

Rollers won the Mascom Top 8 in the 2011-2012 season. They triumphed over Ecco City Greens with a 2-1 score whereas in 2014 and 2015 they came as runners up.

Rollers’ winning streak in the league might work to their advantage because keeping such prolific stature could easily intimidate other teams.

Though it could work for them, the same element could also work against them because of the title they carry ‘a team to beat’.

Mapalastina have depth in their squad, something which might come handy for them. 

Rollers’ mentor, Mark Harrison  would be spoilt for choice due to an array of talent at his disposal.  

Mogogi ‘Gino’ Gabanamong brought stability into the midfield of the team since joining Rollers early this year. 

Gino who spent most of his career plying his trade in South Africa’s league, has consistently played an important role in the team.

Rollers’ attack is deadly and players to watch included Joel Mogorosi and Segolame Boy.

Police IX, who would be appearing in the competition for the first time, will be motivated to make history.

The Jungle Kings have been doing fairly well in the beMOBILE Premiership. 

They are currently on position six, having won half of their games, though have lost their last game against Green Lovers in Serowe. 

For them to rise up to the occasion, Coach Maxwell Moyo’s boys would have to put a big fight to walk out with a win against Rollers. 

The defence partners of Bokamoso Moeba and Katlego Masole will have to step up to deal with the creative attacks of Boy. While the Police ‘skipper Betsho Pius and Tapiwa Gadibolae will work to unlock Rollers defence to afford their strikers an opportunity to hit the back of the net. Rollers will have to be on the look for Police striker duo of Kawashu Makayi and Phenyo Molefe who have been on fine form in front of goal.

The duo, having found the back of the net nine times in the beMOBILE Premiership, would prove to be a formidable. 

Other TOP  8 fixtures:

Thursday (7pm): Extension Gunners vs Orapa United - Orapa

Friday (7pm): Gilport Lions vs Mochudi Centre Chiefs - Serowe

Sunday (4pm): BDF XI vs Gaborone United - Molepolole

Ends