Old enemies brace for bruising encounter

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday January 31, 2014 16:32

The game kicks off at 4:00 pm and marks the re-opening of the National Stadium after a temporary closure since late last year.  It will be the last meeting between the two sides in an official match this season. They have met three times already,

once in the league and twice in the Mascom Top Eight quarterfinals with Rollers emerging tops. A lot will once again be at stake this Sunday. The two teams are currently fighting for first position at the top of the log standings. Rollers are leading the pack while Chiefs are just two points behind in second spot. Chiefs go into the game with scores to settle after Rollers ended their unbeaten run in the league with a 2-1 win and tossed them out the Mascom Top Eight tournament.  In the first round league fixture, the teams were tied at 1-1 minutes before the final whistle when Chiefs were awarded a corner kick.

They went for the winner, but paid dearly when Rollers caught them on a counter attack and scored to end their unbeaten run. The goal by right back, Obonye Moswate stopped Chiefs' dominance over Rollers in the past few seasons. That was the start of the bad spell for Chiefs who struggled in subsequent matches and lost their position at the top of the log to Rollers. To add insult to injury, Rollers dumped Chiefs out of the Mascom Top Eight. Ahead of the Sunday clash, Rollers are oozing with confidence following their win against another arch-enemy, Gaborone United (GU) last weekend. Chiefs however, also seem to have found their footing which makes the forthcoming duel unpredictable. They are said to have signed their former goal poacher, Kekaetswe Moloi although it is not clear whether he will feature in the Sunday game. An interesting battle is expected between Chiefs' striker, Bonolo Fraizer and Rollers towering defender, Oscar Ncenga. However, it is likely to be Pontsho Moloi who will carry the hopes of Magosi going into this match. Moloi has played many games between the two sides and knows better what to expect. He has a point to prove on his return after suspension emanating from the last match between the two sides. Rollers have Sekhana Koko who has also played many games of this magnitude. However, it is former BMC midfielder, Motsholetsi Sikele who has been key to Rollers' success. The attacking midfielder has cemented a place in Madinda Ndlovu's line side with consistent performances. Chiefs' assistant coach, China Matlhaku believes his players are fired up for the game. 'Players usually motivate themselves for a game like this because everyone wants to play. You can even see at training that they are mentally ready for it,' he told Mmegi Sport yesterday. He noted that Rollers have not lost a match in a long time.

'But we have also regained our consistency after that slump last year and it should be an interesting game,' he added. Chiefs go into the match without any injury worries, while Rollers have Godfrey Ngele on the sick bay though they welcome back Manqoba Ngwenya from suspension. The striker missed last weekend's clash against GU. 'We are preparing for this match as much as we did for last weekend's clash against GU because to us, they are both big games. We should remain focused in order to achieve our objective,' Rollers coach, Madinda Ndlovu said. In other matches, GU take on Uniao Flamengo Santos in the only clash tonight at the Molepolole Sports Complex. Kick off is at 7:00 pm. Tomorrow, Motlakase host ECCO City Greens at Palapye Swallows Ground, while Orapa United and Notwane meet at Itekeng Stadium. FC Satmos visit BMC at New Lobatse Stadium, while BDF XI and Nico United clash for the second time in two weeks at SSKB Stadium. Wonder Sporting take on Miscellaneous at Molepolole Sports Complex. Struggling sides, TAFIC and Extension Gunners meet in Francistown. The games start at 4:00 pm.