Rollers dominate Top 8 nominiees
BTC Premiership log leader Township Rollers are leading the pack with three nominations at the 2017/18 Mascom Top 8 awards scheduled for the Gaborone International Convention Center (GICC) this evening (Wednesday). The indomitable Mapalastina looks set to walk away with all the three awards that they are nominated for. Rollers captain Maano Ditshupo is expected to walk away with the Player of the Tournament award. Consistent performance and leadership qualities led his side to a historic Mascom Top 8 triumph at the Francistown Sports Complex last month.The box to box midfield was a revelation this season and his pursuant performance was enough to earn him a nomination and make him a favourite for the award.
Although Ditshupo richly deserves it there are two strong candidates competing for the award. The two include Kobamelo Kebaikanye(BDF XI) and Gilbert Baruti (Black Forest). The two have been outstanding in the tournament but they stand a fat chance of winning the award bring in the quality that Ditshupo showcased. On the other hand, Mapalastina coach Nikola Kavazovic is the favorite to walk away as the coach of the tournament, which will earn him an enviable trophy haul with a glittering season for the Serbian. However, Daniel Nare was a fundamental factor in Orapa United’s bumpy ride to the final. The local coach is the biggest threat to Kavazovic. Jwaneng Galaxy’s current assistant Coach Matshidiso Moseki is a dark horse in this race for best coach. Moseki bowed out in the semis after giving Rollers a run for their money.
However, he knocked out Mochudi Center Chiefs inspiring his side to a stellar comeback. In the goalkeeper’s category another Rollers player Keagile Kgosipula is favoured to win the award looking back at his sensational short stopping performance and the impressive saves that led Popa to the finals. Meanwhile, Ezekiel Morake (Jwaneng Galaxy) and Mosimanegape Robert (Orapa United) will be to blame for their downfall in this category after making huge errors that cost their teams the big prize. Morake gave away cheap goals against Rollers in the semis while Robert also gave away his award against the semi opponents this time at the final stage. Meanwhile Obonye Maome of Gaborone United has no competitors for the Golden Boot, the midfielder scored five goals in the tournament. In the officials category the Best Referee of the Tournament pits together Tirelo Mositwane, Joshua Bondo and Lekgotla Johannes while Best Assistant Referee of the Tournament will see, Ookeditse Keitseope, Botsalo Mosimanewatlala and Moemedi Monakwane battle it out.