Sharps, Lesirane clash as First Division action starts
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday September 5, 2014 12:34
Sharps were relegated to the Second Division league in 2002 and have since tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to make a comeback.
Returning to the First Division after 12 years, Lesirane would want to make their debut a sweet experience.
History favours Lesirane after the new boys emerged victorious in the two play-off matches in Modipane and Gantsi. Revenge will be the utmost for Sharps.
Sharps assistant coach, Orapeleng Gothaang told Mmegi Sport that they know what is at stake and intend to walk away with maximum points.
He admitted that playing against Lesirane is tough and they do not expect an easy home match.
He said that the idea in their first season is to settle first and retain their status. The Old Naledi outfit has managed to recover players they had lost to other teams such as Letlapeng and TASC.
Some of the players who have made a u-turn are Ofentse Shetutu and Kagiso Kgaila. Gothaang tips captain, Gift Mawerere, to shine.
“We decided to keep all the players that assisted Sharps to gain promotion. You cannot part ways with such players who have been dedicated to the club. All we did was to beef up the squad with a few experienced players,” said Gothaang.
Lesirane team manager, Phenyo Sekokonyane, could not hide his excitement with their First Division debut.
He said their hard work has finally paid off. “It is unfortunate that our pre-season training did not go according to plan. We lost all our games, but let us hope that will not derail our focus. The morale is high among the players ahead of the Saturday encounter,” said Sekokonyane.
He said the two teams know each other very well and are aware of the importance of the match. He said a win would motivate his boys for the next match.
In other matches, Black Peril welcome Gantsi Terrors at SSG grounds while Black Forest take on Rolling Boys in Mmankgodi.
Killer Giants entertain Modipane United at Siga grounds in Ramotswa, while on Sunday Prisons XI face Jwaneng Galaxy FC at SSG grounds.
Mogoditshane Fighters play former Premier League side Uniao Flamengo Santos at Fighters grounds. Kick off for all the matches is 3:30 pm.