21 Nov 2019

The lucrative Mascom Top 8 returns this weekend in various stadia across the country with Orapa United hosting Security Systems in the opening game at Itekeng Stadium on November 23 evening.

Orapa United won the championship in 2016 and would want to join the likes of Jwaneng Galaxy, Gaborone United and Township Rollers by clinching the trophy for the second time.

While Security Systems have never won the championship, they should not be regarded as underdogs, although the dynamics of the league and cup tournaments are not the same. Security Systems have been this season’s surprise package as they remain perched at the top of the league, a feat normally achieved by Rollers, Galaxy and Orapa United.

In the Friday’s game, all eyes will be on Security Systems’ coach, Daniel Nare to see whether his magic can work outside the league games.

He will be counting on the likes of goalpoacher, Flo Kgetholetsile to keep the fire burning while Orapa United, alias the Ostriches also boast a number of star players on their squad.

In another game to be played in Molepolole Sports Complex on Saturday, Molepolole City Stars host Township Rollers and history between the two sides shows that there are no underdogs in football circles.

Molepolole City are relatively new and they face a hungry side, which finished last season with only the league cup but this year, Rollers has vowed to grab everything on offer, starting with the Top 8 tournament.

City coach, Enos Mmesi would have to prepare his charges well both physically and mentally as Mapalastina boast an experienced side, which knows how to win cups.

On Sunday, defending champions, Jwaneng Galaxy begin their quest for supremacy against Gaborone United.

The two teams will lock horns in Jwaneng and while on paper the hosts have an upper hand given their recent league run, Gaborone United would not be easily pushed over. Gaborone United won the Mascom Top 8 championship in 2013 and 2015 while Galaxy are the 2017 and 2019 champions, hence each of the two teams would like to claim additional glory at the expense of their opponents.

The last quarter final game is on Monday evening to be played in Molepolole Sports Complex and it features the 2014 champions, BDF XI against Police XI. 

Police XI are yet to be crowned champions and only time will tell if they are ready to face their brothers in the disciplinary forces. Ends