Another big test for Gunners

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday February 22, 2008 00:00

 

After putting up a brave performance against Notwane last Friday, Gunners must fancy their chances against the log leaders. Though Gunners are lying in a precarious position with 14 points, this does not mean that they cannot claim the scalp of the Kgatleng giants. The arrival of Nare at the Peleng glamour boys, seems to have inspired the players and it should surprise no one if they push Chiefs to the final whistle tonight. The other thing, games of this nature need no motivation for the players.

With the arrival of Abednico Powell from ECCO City Greens, Gunners seem to have shape in the midfield, something that allows youngsters like Ofentse Mmipi, Kgololo Leteane and Kemmy Pilato to attack with ease. The only area, which seems to be of a great concern, is the defence, which often cracks under pressure. But there were signs of improvement in their 1-1 draw against Toronto and Gunners' supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed that they contain Chiefs' attackers.

Yesterday, Nare said his charges are prepared to battle with the log leaders. He pointed out that the team which held Notwane to a draw is available for selection.

'We are aware that we are playing a quality side but we need points badly than Chiefs. A loss for us means Nico will go top of us if they (Nico) win on Saturday.

This is the reason we would try to compete against Chiefs,' said Nare. The tactician is pleased that all his players have been responding well at training, something which gives him confidence that they can pull a surprise result. 'Our defence will be stretched to the limit but we are not going to sit back and let them dictate terms,' Nare told Mmegi Sport. After securing an unbelievable 3-0 win against ECCO City Greens at the weekend, Chiefs cannot afford to rest on their laurels. But at the same time, Magosi must guard against complacency as this might hamper their dreams of winning their first national title. Chiefs are known to falter when least expected and everybody will be watching closely.

Having gone an unbelievable 17 games without a loss, Chiefs have only left the field twice without scoring.

Communications officer Clifford Mogomotsi said that Chiefs are ready for battle. He said that after faltering in the previous seasons, when winning looked easy, they do not want to repeat the same blunders. 'We will take every game seriously. We are the barometre which every team measures itself with.

'Of course, in football the unthinkable can happen but that is not possible because we have thoroughly planned for Tuesday's game (against Township Rollers),' he said. Chiefs' hunt for maximum points will be spearheaded by Jerome 'JJ' Ramatlhakwana, Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo and Pontsho Moloi who can prove to be a thorn in the flesh of any side. The only worry for Magosi might be the absence of goalkeeper Noah Maposa who was red-carded against ECCO City Greens and supporters will put their faith in his brother Joseph.