Chippa Legodimo
20 March 2008
BMC assistant coach Motswadi Motswadi has said that despite losing to Nico United last Saturday, his side is ready for the clash with fading giants Township Rollers at the UB Stadium tonight. Kick off is at 7pm.
Ezinkomo has never had any problems with Rollers in the past. But after a series of disappointing performances, the Coca-Cola champions have cause to worry. They are now languishing in the relegation zone and they might find things completely different against Rollers this time round. After their goalless draw away to champions, ECCO City Greens, Rollers will fancy their chances in tonight's game unlike BMC who are still smarting from the Nico defeat.
"We lost to Nico mainly because of rain. The pitch was slippery and the ball made unexpected turns, which made life difficult for our players. I know Nico won under the same conditions but luck was not on our side," Motswadi said. BMC squandered a 2-0 lead and let fellow relegation travellers Nico bounce back and win 3-2 to jump to 14th spot. The setback came despite the fact that supporters thought their beloved Ezinkomo was back to winning ways following last week's 2-0 victory over another relegation-haunted side, Jwaneng Comets.
"We respect Rollers like any other Premier League team but we always perform better when we meet them. In the first round, we drew with them but frankly speaking, it was a game we were supposed to win if we had taken our chances. We were more creative than them," Motswadi said. In tonight's game, BMC will put their hopes on the likes of Bobo Motlhalane, Sekgabo Molebatsi and goalkeeper Cosmos Lombala.
On the other hand, Rollers have former BMC players Joel Mogorosi, Edwin Moalosi, Musa Ohilwe and Thebe Maiketso who would want to prove a point against their former team. After keeping a clean sheet against ECCO, Lesego 'Chokri' Moeng is expected to get the nod in goal ahead of promising Goitseone 'Shakes' Morake.
Motswadi said injury to his brother Modise '10-10' Motswadi has contributed immensely to the club's poor show this season.
However, the BMC youngsters look set to play more games without the veteran midfield magician. "10-10 has been a vital cog throughout all these years. When he is off form, we tend to struggle especially in the middle of the pack and having to do without his services for such a long time really hit us hard. Apart from his skill, his experience would have been valuable especially at a time when we are under pressure," Motswadi said.
Modise has already started training but it will take time before he returns to action let alone full fitness. "Obviously we would not use him against Rollers because he is still far from recovery. Maybe in the next game after Rollers but we are not going to rush him because that could destroy the torn muscles further," Motswadi said of his brother.
He added that another midfield kingpin, Bobo Motlhalane, has been playing with an injury, which has rendered him less effective in the engine room. Motswadi is adamant that BMC will not be relegated.
"We still have nine games to go which to me are enough to see us challenge for a top eight position. We are not desperate as people tend to think. Our defence slipped against Nico but we can still come back strong," he said.
BMC have some tough games ahead against Boteti Young Fighters away in Orapa, Mogoditshane Fighters, BDF XI, TAFIC and Police XI. But perhaps the real test will come against Lobatse rivals, Extension Gunners, who are still trying to escape the axe as usual.
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