Giants kept apart in Coke draw

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday July 24, 2007 00:00

 

The last meeting between the two clubs was in the second round of the Premier League when Onalethata Tshekiso's three goals saw Rollers thumping ECCO 3-0. The pick of the draw for the quarters scheduled for the weekend of August 4-5 is definitely the Rollers-ECCO duel. The other Gaborone giants still in the running are Gaborone United (GU) and defending champions Notwane. On paper, GU should have less headache from new arrivals in the Premier League, Boteti Young Fighters.

The Reds seem to have shaken off the lethargy from their long stint in lower division soccer and have done well in this year's Coke Cup. However, Boteti have always proved difficult in the competition even when they were still campaigning in the First Division and it would be no surprise if they had the better of GU. Notwane has been pitted against Francistown giants, TASC in a clash of clubs that have not made headlines in the transfer market so far. BMC will battle it out against ambitious Mochudi Centre Chiefs, the only giant in local soccer never to have won a major cup.

Both teams have been busy in the transfer market with Chiefs landing players like Mpho Mabogo and Tshepo Motlhabankwe. BMC on the other hand have made numerous acquisitions including Bobo Motlhalane, Shepherd Mosekgwa and Kenanao 'Flo' Kgetholetsile. The trio seemed to have settled down quickly at BMC as evidenced by their performance against Security Systems on Sunday.

It is still to be decided how the games will be played. Coca Cola Cup chairperson, Puma Matlhware said that they will still sit down and see whether the games will be played as mini-tournaments as has been the case. He warned clubs that fail to follow simple rules and regulations that action will be taken against them.

The warning came after some spectators were seen drinking other brands that are in direct competition with Coca-Cola. He said that the only drinks allowed at the games are Coke, Powerade and Source water.