Rollers host Platinum Stars

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday February 1, 2008 00:00

 

The 8pm game comes after Popa hosted and hammered another South African side Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 in Gaborone last Sunday. After the Celtic win, Rollers go into tonight's game on a high. Last weekend, Rollers showed a lot of improvement under new coach Dickson Ngwenya. Though Popa have not reached their full potential, the performance against Celtic has brought hope to supporters who are expected to flock to the National Stadium in large numbers tonight.

Rollers' veteran goalkeeper Lesego Moeng told Mmegi Sport yesterday that after their win over Celtic, the mood in the camp has improved. 'I believe that we can compete against (Platinum Stars. We have been working hard at training,' he said. By Wednesday, all Rollers players were at training except those who are in the national team camp. The absentees were expected to report for training yesterday. This week, Rollers' goalkeeper Barolong 'Toldo' Lemmenyane has been training and is likely to be in the starting line-up against the South Africans. Lemmenyane has not been training with Mapalastina as he has been linked with a move to BDF XI. Only Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko is expected to miss tonight's game from the team that played Celtic. The player has joined title-chasing Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

Earlier this week, Rollers' secretary Father Maphongo promised that they are going to provide their supporters with entertaining football in tonight's game. He pleaded with Batswana to come in large numbers to support the team. Stars arrived in the country yesterday for the fixture. Their communication manager Putco Mafani said that Rollers should not expect an easy game. He said that they will redeem the South African pride after Rollers beat Celtic at the weekend. 'This trip is important because we will be having new players, and we will be trying new combinations,' he said. Some of the Stars' players expected to feature are Phumudzo Manendze, Simba Marumo, Steve Lekoelea, Koketso Mmotong, Dingane Masanabo and Stanley Kgatla.

 Before the game, Notwane will face Stars' reserve side though Mafani said that all players who will be coming to Botswana have been registered with the Premier Soccer League and are part of the first team. Notwane secretary Bonny Bashe said that they will use the game to unveil new players. 'I appreciate that Platinum Stars have agreed to bring another team and we will beat them. Notwane believe in youth and hope the coach (Paul Moyo) will use them (young players),' he said. Tickets are selling at P30 for the grand stands and P20 elsewhere.