CHIEFS, ROLLERS CLASH IN MASCOM TOP 8 SEMIS
There will be a lot of scores to settle during the first leg of the Mascom Top 8 semi-finals this weekend in Francistown.
Besides the P1, 200,000 first prize carrot being dangled by the tournament sponsor, there will be pride, bragging rights and self-validation at stake. By far, the most interesting fixture will be between big spending mortal rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers at the Francistown sports complex.
Nevertheless, it will be marauding Centre Chiefs that will be coming into the semi-finals with a monkey riding on their backs. The Mascom Top silverware has embarrassingly eluded the glamorous Magosi since its inception in the 2011/12 season. In some cases Magosi have been humiliated in the Top 8 failing to make it through to the semi-finals.
However, Magosi now have a clean slate this season and Popa will be a big target in front of the Kgatleng giants. However, the game is evenly matched as both teams are currently on sizzling form in the beMOBILE premier league and picking a winner now will surely be a tricky affair.
This Friday, Magosi will be buoyed by their free scoring juggernaut Lemponye ‘FC’ Tshireletso who has brought nothing else but sheer terror against the opposition this season. Currently, the evergreen striker is topping the top goal scorer standings. He will surely be a marked man by Rollers. Beside Tshireletso, Rollers will have to contend with Ayanda Molefe and Tendai Nyumasi in defence.
Magosi headcoach Mike ‘Dubula’ Sithole is expected to run with the ball and attack early on. On the flip side, Rollers will be bringing arguably the best pound for pound squad in the league.
English coach Mark Harrison commands a battalion of experience and talent from robust winger Joel Mogorosi to nimble goal scoring machine Sekhana ‘Nandos’ Koko. Harrison is expected to be strong in almost all departments having recently acquired the services of Ofentse ‘Size 10’ Nato and Terence ‘Terror’ Mandaza.
Given the chances on Friday, Rollers will score crucial goals. Mapalastina who have only one Top 8 title to their name have made it to the final two more times losing to both Gaborone United and army side BDF XI.
“This is going to be a big game with two big teams that are on form,” said Harrison this week. Harrison who beat Gilport Lions 3-0 in a league fixture, this week said there will be a lot of expectation for the game this weekend. “We play football to get involved in such matches. Both teams want to play in the Top 8 final.”
Rollers captain Maano Ditshupo said Popa is ready for Magosi on Friday. “Preparations have already began and we want the cup. We are confident that our plan for the game will give us results.” In their last encounter, Rollers edged Magosi 3-0. Meanwhile, another mouth-watering encounter will see Orapa United taking on 2013/14 Top 8 champions BDF XI at the Itekeng stadium in Orapa on Saturday.
Headcoach Madinda Ndlovu’s Ostriches have been known to be tough customers especially at their home ground at Itekeng. Ndlovu has plenty of experience in winning cups and championships.
With a squad consisting of players like Thabang Sesinyi, Patrick Motsepe, Patrick Lenyeletse and Ronald Chikomo any team should be wary of Orapa. Meanwhile BDF XI boasts an arsenal of their own including Mwampule Masule, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Phenyo Mongala, Ofentse Mmipi and Patrick Kaunda.