Sports

Chiefs return to Botswana for Rollers friendly

South African giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Township Rollers are set to play another pre-season friendly match ahead of the start of the season PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG
 
South African giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Township Rollers are set to play another pre-season friendly match ahead of the start of the season PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

The two teams are to meet at either the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium or the National Stadium in a date yet to be confirmed. The friendly game is likely to be scheduled for the weekend of August 17-18 or the weekend of August 24-25 depending on the Chiefs' schedule. The South African football season is to begin this weekend but AmaKhosi will begin their business on September 14 in a league due to their non-involvement in the MTN 8 Cup competition that starts on August 3. 'Rollers will be playing Chiefs in a pre-season; negotiations have started and progressed well.

Members of the Rollers executive committee recently visited Chiefs to meet Bobby (Motaung) over the friendly and also introduce (new Rollers' president, Tendani) Sebata to Kaizer Chiefs as you may know the two clubs have a healthy relationship they have established over the years,' a source said. Rollers and Chiefs will be meeting in a pre-season for a fourth time in the last seven years. The two teams have played at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium for their first instalment of the highly rated friendly contest, the Royal Aria Stadium for the second edition while the last edition was held at the National Stadium last year. Popa will also be away in Namibia to face another regional powerhouse, African Stars on August 10. The two teams will meet at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek with the kick-off time set for 4pm. Rollers and African Stars met last year in a pre-season game played at the Maun Sports Complex as the Namibian side walked away as victors.

African Stars were recently in Gaborone to take on a number of local clubs including, Masitaoka FC and Gaborone United as they get ready for their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against local champions, Jwaneng Galaxy. Rollers have, meanwhile, confirmed three signings including, Mothusi Cooper who returns to the club after a stint with rivals, Gaborone United. Former Nico United's defender, Bapaletswe Simon and South African midfielder, Olebogeng Makhura have joined The Blues. The team is also said to be actively in the hunt for a proven goal scorer.