The first two of the 240 Premiership matches will be played this evening but eyes will be on the National Stadium as traditional rivals and potential challengers, Gaborone United and Township Rollers clash at 7pm. It is a top-billing clash in the new FNB Botswana-sponsored league. The commercial bank has pumped just over P9 million per season and clubs will bite their bottom lip for most parts of the campaign after battling for no reward for close to five years. The two Gaborone rivals will enjoy the attention tonight but both technical benches will be gunning for a perfect start and of course the bragging rights of the capital city. Former Zebras’ head coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote returns to the Rollers’ seat with his second debut tonight. He will look to extend his Rollers’ unbeaten streak in the league to 18 games after he led Popa to the league title in 2018 with a 17-game unbeaten run.
He returns at a time when there is a level of euphoria at the club under the leadership of Tendani Sebata. Popa has 11 recruits including the return of midfielder, Mothusi Cooper and Mpote would hope that against GU, his side would gel as a team. The odds are on Mpote’s side as Rollers have dominated the tie over the years. In the last 26 clashes, Popa have 10 wins compared to GU’s seven whilst nine matches ended in a stalemate. The Reds have over the years enjoyed dominance over the Blues and Mpote expects yet another tough encounter. “We expect a very tactical game and as coaches, we always have our bags packed because when you lose you go. But of course, I am home and playing GU as a rival. It is always difficult for us. I tried the atmosphere of a packed Stadium when we played Chiefs (in a friendly game),” said Mpote at a press conference held yesterday.
For his part, his opposite number, GU head coach, Pontsho Moloi, would be banking on GU's recent resurgence in the derby matches but he is aware of the task ahead. “I have had good results against them so that eases a little bit of pressure from us. I know for a fact that it is going to be a different game tomorrow. It is 11 against 11 and we have a lot of respect for the opponents we are playing tomorrow. They are a very big team, very good players, a very good coach, so we will go into the game trying to ease the pressure from us and try to get the win,” said Moloi. Orapa United will meanwhile shift their focus to domestic football as they take on newly promoted Chadibe FC at home at the Itekeng Stadium today at 6pm. On Saturday afternoon, champions, Jwaneng Galaxy will begin their title defence with a visit to the VTM Arena where VTM FC lie in wait. BDF XI meet Matebele FC at the BPSC Stadium while Mochudi Centre Chiefs will mark their return with a trip to Morupule Wanderers at the Palapye Stadium. TAFIC are at home at the Francistown Council Stadium against Nico United as Extension Gunners host Sua Flamingoes at the Lobatse Sports Complex. The FNB Premiership opening weekend will close with a clash between Security Systems and Uniao Flamengo Santos at the Lobatse Sports Complex on Sunday. All the games kick off at 3:30pm.
Last Five: GU, Rollers encounters 20/04/24 GU 2 – 0 Rollers 13/12/23 Rollers 2 – 1 GU 20/05/23 Rollers 0 – 2 GU 26/11/22 GU 1 – 1 Rollers 19/02/22 Rollers 1 – 0 GU
