16 Jan 2014

Township Rollers will, on Friday evening (January 17) face a wounded BDF XI after six points were deducted from the army side for taking football matters to court.

Following the deduction of points, BDF XI surrendered the top position in the be Mobile league and dropped three points behind Rollers and second placed Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

BDF and Rollers meet at Molepolole Sports Complex in what could be the most important game as BDF XI would seek to retain its position while Rollers would want to hold on to the lead. The mood at Matebele camp could dictate the outcome of the game.

They would either be demoralised and would be easy prey for Rollers or they would come out to fight like a wounded animal to thwart  Mapalastina's efforts.

Following the judgement handed to the army side on January 14, BDF XI’s secretary general, Isaac Letsholathebe was quoted in an interview saying their players would need motivation and counseling.

Whether they would be ready for the encounter will only be attested by the outcome of the game. Township Rollers however, should have a psychological advantage over their opponents. 

This is because the Madinda Ndlovu-led team, despite the poor start to the league, find themselves at the peak and nothing should therefore stop them from clinching the league championship.

With players such as Sekhana Koko, Lawrence Majawa and Jerome Louis, Rollers have the right arsenal for this clash. Elijah Chikwanda at BDF XI has a number of quality players who have the capability of stopping Mapalastina.

These include Saukani Zulu, Mokgathi Mokgathi and Boitumelo Mafoko. BDF XI should be wary of Rollers’s speedy wingers if they are to collect maximum points. The two teams shared the spoils in the first round.

In another epic clash, Centre Chiefs lock horns with rivals Gaborone United at Molepolole Sports Complex on Sunday (January 19). Only four points separate the two sides and they would be looking forward to collecting maximum points.  

For Magosi, three points will elevate them to the peak of the log should Rollers lose to BDF XI. Chiefs are still very much in the race to defend their title despite the hiccups they encountered while Gaborone United have had mixed fortunes, although they are also title contenders.

Moyagoleele beat their opponents by a solitary goal in the first leg and would want to repeat the feat while Magosi are out to settle a score. The return of Pontsho Moloi and Michael Mogaladi from suspension is a bonus to a side that has other quality players such as Bonolo Fraiser, Lemponye Tshireletso and Patrick Lenyeletse.

However, Gaborone United would not be pushed over as they have solid players in Tebogo Sembowa and Noah Maposa between the goal posts. One can only wait and see if on the day, David Bright’s tactics would be better or inferior to those of Drago Stanolovic. ENDS