27 Feb 2020

Gaborone will come to a standstill when arch-rivals, Gaborone United and Township Rollers clash at the National Stadium on Sunday.

The derby usually attracts multitudes of stalwarts, differentiated by their team’s colours.

While Rollers, alias Popa, and GU, alias Moya go Leele, will be tugging it out for the bragging rights, the stands will be colourful with the teams’ regalia.

The blue nation adorns gold and blue while Moya go Leele goes red.

Both teams have played 19 games so far, and Popa is leading the log with 40 points while GU trails with 33 points.

Both have won their last games and would not want to jeorpadise their chances of finishing the league well.

Moya go Leele still fancies their chances of lifting the cup because a win against their cross town rivals will mean that they will be four points shy from claiming spot number one.

To improve their log standing and claim bragging rights, the two are likely to give football fanatics a scintillating game of football on the day.

In their last encounter, GU emerged victorious, beating their rivals convincingly with a 3-0 margin and Rollers will certainly strive to redeem itself.

Both teams boast of some fine and seasoned players which can display good footballing skills on a good day.

Moya go Leele, who are the hosts, come into the fixture a rejuvenated lot after winning three consecutive matches under the tutelage of their newly appointed gaffer Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi.

In a press briefing between the two teams on Wednesday at Lekedi, Moloi was not upbeat about their chances of clinching the league, but vowed that they treated the Sunday game just like any other.

He pointed out that his boys were fit and ready for selection while the captain, Alphonso Modisaotsile added that all the players were highly motivated and called on fans to come and rally behind the team and paint the stadium red.

They have acquired the services of long-time Zebras and Township Rollers goal poacher, Joel Mogorosi who is capable of causing harm to his former employers at any given point.

During his hay days, he also plied his trade in neighbouring South Africa at Bloemfontein Celtics.

On the other hand, their opponents, who boast of some good ball players, who are capable of dictating the rhythm of the game, will be looking to cement their stay at the top of the log.

They are well aware that if they fail to manage the game well, anything is possible come the end of the season because all the top four teams stand a good chance of winning the league.

Popa coach, Frank Nutall divulged that one of his best playmakers, Segolame Boy was back at the training grounds and might be considered for selection.

When paired with the pint-sized midfielder come striker in Mothusi Cooper, the two are a handful and can be a thorn in their opponent’s defense.

Boy has been nursing a shoulder injury and in the process missed a number of games. Nuttall also said everyone was training with the team and that their preparations were going well.

Rollers captain, Simisani Mathumo said his teammates were looking forward to the encounter, adding that although it was still early in the week, everything was on track.

The ball is on Popa’s court and as the leading side on the log standings, it is up to them to defend or give away their league title.

The likes of Orapa United and Jwaneng Galaxy are breathing heavily down their necks with just a point difference.

Tickets are already on sale at different sales points being the GU and Rollers offices, and some will be sold at the stadium on match day. Kick off is at 3:30pm.   ENDS