Boitumelo Khutsafalo
28 November 2008
The moment that many had been waiting for has finally arrived. The 2008-2009 Premier League season resumes tomorrow with a new sponsor, be Mobile, who came on board after the failed deal between the Premier League Committee (PLC) and Munhumutapa African Broadcasting Corporation (MABC).
And there can never be a better match to mark the resumption of the competition and launch the sponsorship than fixtures involving the four popular giants of local football, Township Rollers and Extension Gunners; and Gaborone United (GU) and Mochudi Centre Chiefs in one weekend. With P1 million at stake, many are already predicting a very exciting season.
The first encounter of the two big clashes will be between Rollers and Gunners at Molepolole Sports Complex tomorrow. The two giants will get an opportunity to be the first to test the new turf at Molepolole Sports Complex. Clashes between the two sides have always been unpredictable, as form has never determined who will come tops. The stadium is likely to be filled to capacity as the two giants have always attracted large crowds. Moreover, many football fans have been hungry for action.
Both clubs have had their ups and downs already this season after playing four games each. Rollers had the best start to the season when they defeated Naughty Boys 3-1 and ended the unbeaten run of Chiefs with a 4-1 hammering. Many believe Rollers showed true class in a long time in the game against the champions. However, things did not go according to plan as Mapalastina went on to lose their next two games, 3-2 against traditional rivals, Gaborone United and 1-0 against BDF XI.
Gunners started the season on a low note losing the first two games 3-1 against Chiefs and 2-1 to Naughty Boys. But they recovered in the last two games, winning 1-0 in a tightly contested match against BDF XI and defeating Nico United by the same score.
The arrival of new coach, Rahman Gumbo seems to have changed the fortunes of Rollers while Gunners' decision to stick to Daniel Nare is bearing fruits. Rollers' four attackers, Joel Mogorosi, Thapelo Balepi, Terrence Mandaza and Mohamed Chawila might cause trouble if not tightly marked by Gunners. Their combination has already proved deadly in previous games. Gunners will rely on midfielder, Abednico Powell, defender Finkie Mothibi and the goal-scoring prowess of Burundian striker, Aime Nzohabonayo.
In another highly anticipated match, Chiefs and log leaders, GU will battle out at UB Stadium on Sunday. GU remain unbeaten having won three games and drawn one.
Interestingly, coach Mike Sithole will once again face the team that many believe he turned into a force to reckon with before decamping to GU.
When Chiefs won the league and the Coca Cola Cup double, they proved that having a big squad can be very useful and GU seem to have realised this and went on a recruiting spree. The Reds have assembled one of the best squads this season with almost two good players in each position. Depending on the game plan and the system that Sithole wants to apply, he has an avalanche of both creative and defensive midfielders.
Itayi Gwandu, Kebatlogetse 'Go-Man' Batsweletse, Tshepo Molefe, Ntesang Simanyana who is on national duty are some of the midfield men who can do the job for the Reds.
This season, GU has a sharp frontline with the addition of Tiroyamodimo Mohambi to the deadly trio of Sageby Sandaka, Kenny Ledikwe and Ronald Chikomo. In four games, GU failed only to score against Boteti Young Fighters. The Reds scored three goals in each of the first three games. Chiefs on the other side seem to have recovered after being humiliated by Rollers in the second game. Pontsho Moloi, Sekhana Koko and Mpho Mabogo remain the key players for Magosi.
In other games tomorrow, Boteti Young Fighters host Premier League rookies, Great North Tigers (GNT) at Itekeng Stadium. Notwane host Mogoditshane Fighters at SSKB Stadium while TAFIC lock horns with BDF XI in Francistown. On Sunday, Uniao Flamengo Santos and Police XI battle out in Molepolole, ECCO City Greens host Nico United in Francistown and BMC and Naughty Boys meet in Lobatse. All the games kick-off at 4pm.
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