ROLLERS DEFEND UNDEFEATED STREAK…
BTC premiership outfit Orapa United will be looking to pull an upset over archrivals Township Rollers when the two clash at the Molepolole Sports Complex this weekend. The Ostriches vs. Popa is fast becoming one of the most compelling fixtures in the domestic league. Moreover, Orapa are quickly building a reputation as Popa’s hoodoo team. An even more interesting fact is that Popa remain undefeated in seven games.
Thus far, Popa have had a good run of results under Coach Nikolas Kavazovic who has been successfully guiding the team to victories since taking over this season. Rollers have since accumulated a staggering 24 points out of eight games and keeping a clean track record with 100 percent winning streak. Nikolas Kavazovic has introduced his charges to new tactics and they have adapted to his formation without a sweat.
The 3-4-3 formation has been a revelation for Popa with Tshepho Matete and Motsholetsi Sikele taking fresh roles as full backs. With Mosha Gaolaolwe out on injury, the once forgotten Oscar Ncenga will be brought back to make up the three men backline alongside Simisani Mathumo and Tshepho Motlhabankwe, who will be complimented by the full backs will fortify the defence. Mapalastina are expected to field an impeccable midfield including Maano Ditshupo and Lemponye Tshireletso interchangeably leading the attacks and frequently helping in defence.
The trio of Edwin Moalosi, Segolame Boy and Mthokozisi Msomi leading the attacks in front of goal, a rather Sharp Moalosi will be preying on the defense. Meanwhile Orapa United caretaker coach Daniel Nare will have a mammoth task of trying to balance the unstable Ostriches. Orapa are currently stuck on position six with 11 points after eight fixtures. Nare has been doing well at previous club Miscellaneous after leading the club to a comfortable third position with 13 points. Nare will have to take up Madinda Ndlovu’s staggering formation for the time being while trying to get the team back on track after their fortunes declined under the leadership of the Zimbabwean mentor.
Thanking Mosige and Olekantse Mambo will be in the heart of the defense while Lesenya Ramoraka and Kealeboga Molebatsi will occupy the left back and right back respectively keeping a stable four men rigid defense. Kemmy Pilatwe and Tapiwa Nyamanjiva will be the pair in the midfield to take up the battle against Lemponye Tshireletso and Maano Ditshupo, although their pairing has been a headache.
Orapa supporters will expect that the reunion of Kemmy Pilatwe and Nare yield positive results for the Debswana mining company sponsored outfit. Lemogang Maswena and Gift Moyo will both be playing out wide challenging the likes Tshepho Matete and Motsholetsi Sikele. Explosive speed and hard tackling will be expected to grace the sides of the pitch. Nare will trust Omaatla Kebatho to test Keagile Kgosipula’s goalposts with Tendai Nyumasi coming from deep to support the lone striker.
