New signings on the spot as Kabelano returns

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday August 16, 2013 00:00

 

While Nico and Gunners have quietly gone about their business in the transfer market, Rollers and Chiefs have been very public about their targets. Chiefs and Rollers have made several signings and continue to chase other players in preparation for next season.The newboys are expected to be in action in   the first game tomorrow at 10:00 am when Chiefs and Nico go head-to-head. Chiefs have secured the services of former Rollers' captain, Onalethata Tshekiso, former Nico United striker, Bonolo Frazer, Patrick Lenyeletse and Ontse Ntesa (both from ECCO City Greens) and Kago Nfila from TAFIC. Ntesa is expected to fill the left back position, which gave Chiefs' technical team headache last season. Right footed defenders, Sekgabo Molebatsi and Tshepo Motlhabankwe have both been used in that position interchangeably.

With Kekaetswe Moloi and Galabgwe Moyana now plying their trade in the South African Premier Soccer League for newly promoted Polokwane City, Lenyeletse is likely to start at the left wing position tomorrow. However, all eyes will most definitely be on Frazer who will be playing against his former side for the first time. Frazer, together with his strike partner last season, Master Masitara left Nico at the start of the transfer window. Though he is blessed with a powerful shot, he is likely to find the going tough against Nico defence marshalled by Richard Legwaila.Nico have remained tight-lipped about their new signings although they have been linked with an Ivorian striker as well as a Nigerian player. The two are said to have been recruited to replace Masitara and Frazer.

At the Kabelano draw held recently in Gaborone, Nico spokesperson, Moreri Kgakgamatso said they are unfazed by the departure of the two players because they will find replacements in readiness for the one-day tournament.Nico coach, Elijah Chikwanda has been with the team for sometime and knows the strengths and weaknesses of his side. Chiefs are also likely to be under the tutelage of Innocent Morapedi who has been with the team for many seasons as an assistant coach. Magosi's new Serbian coach has arrived in he country but is likely to sit on he stands during the tournament. Chiefs are the defending champions having won the tournament more than five years ago when it was last held.

Gunners, just like Nico have been secretive on their transactions in the transfer market.They have lost striker, Boitshoko Zikhale to cross town rivals, BMC and their number one goalkeeper, Takudzwa Ndoro to BDF XI.However, Gunners have been boosted by the fact that Rollers are willing to let them keep on-loan striker, Mponang Mponang, longer. The two sides face each other in the second match tomorrow with Rollers boasting at least 13 new players they have acquired in the current transfer window.They have also roped in a new technical team led by Madinda Ndlovu. Among the new players that will be closely watched in the Rollers line-up is Kenanao Kgetholetsile who is expected to lead the attack. The former Gunners' dangerman is seen as the perfect replacement for the departed Tshekiso.

It remains to be seen who Ndlovu and his technical team will opt for in central defence between Oscar Ncenga, Leutlwetse Tshireletso, Agisanyang Ramaabya and Edwin Motlhagodi. Rollers are said have signed Zebras' left back, Pako Lekgari who has been playing in Namibia.  Ndlovu has been drilling his charges in Rustenburg for a week, playing two friendly matches against ABSA Premiership side, Platinum Stars.The game between Rollers and Gunners start at 12:30 pm with the final slated for 4:30 pm. The winner will walk away with P200,000.