19 Nov 2015

The Mascom Top 8 cup returns to action this weekend with high octane action. Action starts tonight until Monday for the P1.2 million first prize money. 

Eight teams are vying for the top four spot of the semifinals.

In today’s clash and undoubtedly the pick of the weekend in the 'tse di tona madness', Orapa United will be praying hard to fulfill their lofty ambitions of toppling battered and bruised Extension Gunners. 

The two teams played to a one-all draw in Orapa before a sellout crowd at the Itekeng Stadium. 

Besides Gunners carrying an away goal advantage into the clash, Orapa United look more ravenous as their league performance also suggests. 

With their experienced mentor, Madinda Ndlovu, looking to continue with his legacy of impressive cup performance, the team also packs talent and experience in the mould of former BDF XI and Zebras mercurial midfielder Patrick Motsepe and Patrick Lenyetse. 

The duo might become handful for the porous Gunners defence especially when their target man Thabang Sesinyi is in good shape. 

Gunners’ mentor, Daniel ‘Chico’ Dance will pin hopes in the on-song striker, Pako Gaofose. The hard working striker will once again be summoned to hand Mapantsola victory that maybe enough to ease the financial woes currently besieging the team.

The Top 8 thrill will then continue tomorrow (Saturday) at the Molepolole Sports Complex where BDF XI and Gaborone United meet in another titanic battle. 

Matebele carry a 1-0 lead from the previous encounter and will be pinning hopes on their Zambian mentor, Beston Chambesi, to deploy a defensive strategy that will thwart any attempts from the marauding Gaborone United strikers who are deadly on wing play.

On Sunday, high flying Township Rollers will go into the second round against Police XI with a comfortable 4-2 lead.  

Rollers staged a dramatic comeback against The Jungle Kings in the first leg, which was a clear indication of their flawless mental and physical endurance. 

Popa have a shiny armory while the l Jungle Kings will rely on Betsho Pius and his teammates to pull another surprise. 

In the last fixture of the semifinals glory, Mochudi Centre Chiefs can only focus on pushing Gilport Lions aside, regardless of the score line. 

The latter’s never-say-never attitude may unsettle Magosi and the late goal they conceded in Serowe in the first leg was a learning curve. Gilport Lions doesn’t boast of any big names compared to their opponents. Ends