Domestic rivalry resumes after AFCON euphoria
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday November 25, 2024 10:03
This evening, Pontsho Moloi and his Gaborone United side welcome Orapa United at the National Stadium in a 7pm kick-off as the FNB Premiership action returns. The Reds have had a steady start to their campaign as they sit just four points behind leaders, Mochudi Centre Chiefs. It is set up to be an exciting contest between the Reds and the Ostriches with neither side able to complete a double over the other. Football fans would be pleased to learn that the fixture has always produced a winner and has never ended in a stalemate. Moloi has had only two training sessions with his troops after his return from Egypt. He would be given comfort in that the majority of the GU continent in the Zebras squad did not play a part in the final game. The duo of fullbacks, Alphord Velaphi and Mothusi Johnson, did not travel to Cairo due to suspension and Moloi would have fresher legs in the defensive line. Orapa's Ratlhogo Ratlhogo was given his debut against Egypt by the Zebras technical bench that included his weekend’s opposing coach, Moloi. Alongside Koketso Majafi, the two Ostriches were introduced in the second half on Tuesday. The duo is a crucial part of Dimitiar Pantev's team this season.
The Bulgarian coach has had a topsy-turvy start to the local league as his side is miles behind the leading pack. It would be interesting to see if he would give his Zebras stars a day off this weekend. Zebras interim coach, Morena Ramoreboli, switches to club duties with Jwaneng Galaxy and faces a visit from Morupule Wanderers at the Galaxy Stadium. The coach had the largest contingent in the Zebras squad and all his stars played a role as the team laboured against Egypt. They face a well-rested Wanderers side that could prove to be deadly after a poor start to the campaign. The Palapye team is reeling in the relegation zone and needs a win against the champions. In other games, Flamengo Santos will chase their first point of the season against BDF XI at the BPSC Stadium this afternoon. Nico United will travel to the south to face their last season's saviour, Mogomotsi Mpote as they take on Township Rollers tomorrow at the National Stadium. Security Systems take on VTM FC at the Lobatse Sports Complex while Matebele FC welcome Extension Gunners at the National Stadium.
On Sunday, the Francistown Council Stadium host a clash of the north between Chadibe FC and TAFIC while high-flying Mochudi Centre Chiefs welcome Sua Flamingoes at the National Stadium. All games will kick off at 4pm.