High riding GU tackle Nico
MQONDISI DUBE
Correspondent
| Friday December 5, 2008 00:00
On paper, the Reds, as GU are affectionately known, are expected to easily steam past troubled Nico.
However, the home side, still smarting from a 5-3 drubbing at the hands of Ecco City Greens at the weekend, would be eager to emerge from their assignment with a win. But that would not be easy against a GU side currently in irrepressible form. With an array of stars and an astute coach in Mike Sithole, the Reds of Gaborone might be destined for glory this season.
Unbeaten going into tomorrow's game, Sithole's charges are bubbling with confidence and their exceptional last Sunday was testimony of their resolve to bag the title. The Reds provided answers to their championship pedigree with the defeat of potential title chasers, Township Rollers and other teams. Any lingering doubts have been erased.
The GU frontline looks frightening with sharpshooters Ronald Chikomo, Kenny Ledikwe, Sageby Sandaka and Tiroyamodimo Mohambi all being potential match winners. Tshepo 'Schoolboy' Molefe finally seems to be realising his full potential as he blossoms in his playmaker role in a midfield that also contains the robust Itayi Gwandu. At the back, the talents of Gabriel Boikutlo provide the cover that experienced goalkeeper Raphael Nthwane needs.
Sadly, Nico does not have such luxury. Outgoing coach Madinda Ndlovu has lamented their thin line up. If anything, Nico are hobbling ahead of their weekend game and their camp resembles a hospital ward with key players, Chrispen Nyamutambo, Derrick Ramofi, Eric Molebatsi and Moagedi '44' Tsametse all nursing an assortment of injuries.
Majombolo's fans would find solace in that last season joint top goalscorer Master Masitara who found his footing and is firing from all cylinders.
He has already banged in four goals in as many matches. Master Masiku, who has been a consistent performer since joining a season ago, and Thobo 'Fish' Kgoboge, are hard pressed to lead the home side to a shock victory. In their two meetings last season, the scales were even as Nico beat GU 2-0 away before the Reds stole victory right at the death in the reverse fixture, winning 3-2. In that game, Nico were leading 2-1 with three minutes to go, but some horrific defending, coupled with a storming comeback, saw the visitors fashioning an unlikely victory. Sithole said his charges are prepared for their visit to Selebi-Phikwe. 'We will take the game like any other, we cannot give it special treatment,' Sithole said.
He admitted that complacency might cost them the game, adding that he has been working on the boys' mentality. Sithole said although he has some minor injury worries, all the players are expected to have recovered in time for encounter. His Nico counterpart Ndlovu said his boys stand a chance against log leaders. 'We are playing a team on top of its game and bubbling with confidence. But we will be prepared,' Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu is concerned that his defence has been leaking and the injury to Tsametse has not helped the situation. The imminent departure of Ndlovu at the end of this month has caused anxiety and distractions within the Majombolo camp. However, the coach said preparations have to go on as usual and the team would do with the material at its disposal. 'GU must not come here thinking that it will be a walkover. We are going to give them a good run for their money,' Ndlovu declared.
There have been concerns among the fans who argue that Ndlovu's mind is no longer with the team, but the former Rollers' coach brushed aside such worries saying he remained focused on the job. In the other games tomorrow, Extension Gunners and Notwane lock horns in a match that is expected to be a thriller at UB Stadium. GNT host Rollers in Francistown while Police XI will be attempting to register their second victory of the season when they host struggling TAFIC at Lobatse.
BDF XI and ECCO City Greens clash at SSKB in Mogoditshane while Uniao Flamengo Santos and Boteti Young Fighters meet in Molepolole. With the exception of Gunners/Notwane game which kicks off at 7pm, all games start at 4pm.