18 Oct 2018

Mochudi Centre Chiefs host Township Rollers under floodlights on October 20 at the UB Stadium at 8pm to continue the enduring rivalry between the two giants of local football. 

The two teams have shared the last nine league titles among themselves and clashes between them often result in thrilling spectacles.

However, they cross paths tomorrow in contrasting fortunes with Rollers perched at the top of the log, while Chiefs are reeling from their slowest ever start in the Premier League era. 

Just like last season when they won the league, Rollers have started the current campaign with a sprint.

After seven matches, the ‘Blues’ have already notched six victories and one stalemate, scoring 15 times and conceding two goals.

Jwaneng Galaxy are the only team that have denied ‘Mapalastina’ victory thus far, while Black Forest’s Donald Bontshoma and Sankoyo Bush Bucks’ Oabile Bathusi are the only men that have breached the Rollers net.

The Gaborone west side have assembled a formidable team with Simisane Mathumo and Mosha Gaolaolwe gelling quickly with new boys Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Jackson Lesole to form a solid defence.

Together with goalkeeper Wagarre ‘Waxy’ Dikago they have kept five clean sheets in five matches. 

Their midfield spearheaded by Mothusi ‘Mini’ Cooper and captain Maano Ditshupo has also been dominant, with Cooper in particular, producing eye catching performances and crisp passes in every match.

Joel Mogorosi and Tumisang Orebonye look like they are a frontline which will terrorise many teams this season and have already bagged 10 goals between themselves. 

However, Rollers plans for the match could be destabilised by the sudden departure of head coach Nikola Kavazovic, who left the club by mutual consent earlier this week.

While ‘Mapalastina’ are riding high, the same cannot be said about their bitter rivals, who are in the bottom half of the log after managing a single victory from seven matches. 

The Chiefs coaching department lead by assistant coach Itumeleng Duiker, while new head coach Philani Mabhena still awaits a work permit, will however be boosted by the availability of attacking midfielder Morris Ruzivo and striker Terrance Mandaza, whose work permits are now available.

The last meeting between the two teams in March finished 2-0 in favour of Rollers.

In other October 20 matches, Extension Gunners welcome Miscellaneous at Lobatse Sports Complex, Police XI host second placed Orapa United at Otse Police Stadium, Sharps Shooting Stars entertain Black Forest at UB Stadium, Security Systems visit BR Highlanders at Serowe Sports Complex, while Sankoyo Bush Bucks will lie in wait for Notwane at Maun Sports Complex.

Still on October 20, Philemon Makhwengwe will start his second life as Gaborone United coach by facing his former team Prisons XI at Molepolole Sports Complex. 

On October 21, BDF XI will clash with Jwaneng Galaxy at Molepolole Sports Complex. All games will kick off at 4pm. ENDS