Masitaoka faces rejuvenated Rollers
FOOTBALL
Two teams with contrasting fortunes in the country meet for what is an absolutely huge game in the Botswana Football League.
Township Rollers have excelled in recent months and find themselves in a wonderful position heading into the business end of the season, whilst Masitaoka’s form has declined since
eliminating Rollers in the seemi- finals of the Orange FA cup in December.
Mapalastina will be looking to return to winning ways following their goalless draw with Orapa United; what was a distant possibility a few months ago before sacking Hassan Oktay, has now become a genuine reality of a title race.
In their previous league encounter, Rollers claimed a hard- fought 1- 0 win over Masitaoka and earned a sweet revenge for the FA Cup semi- final 2- 1 embarrassment.
Since the arrival of French young tactician, Romain Folz, the Blues have been able to close the gap on their expensively assembled rivals and fellow challengers, Gaborone United to just 1 point.
The current form of Township Rollers suggests that the tie will be far from easy, up against a team that will be desperate to impress their new gaffer, Michael Mogaladi, who will be in charge of Majatlhaga for only the second time.
In recent weeks, Folz’s side has been showing some exciting attacking intent via the likes of Segolame Boy, Phenyo Serameng, Onkarabile Ratanang amongst others.
They have really found a fluidity within their ranks and are playing with confidence, something that many recent versions of The Blue Train have struggled to do.
Their stingy defense together with star goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe have let in only 12 goals and scored 35 goals and lost twice this season.
The momentum and energy that Rollers have at this minute will undoubtedly drag them forward, and Majatlhaga may have to resort to a solid defensive structure, a trait far from their display against BDF XI in which they lost 1- 3 last time out.
Rollers will be grateful that after they lost points against the Ostriches, Gaborone United also dropped points against another in- form BFL side, Security Systems and the gap at the top remained 1 point.
The Reds are expected to bounce back and get maximum points against rejuvenated Prisons XI and therefore, Rollers cannot afford anything less than a win, which will also take them to the top of the table.
After the defeat to BDF XI, Mogaladi said he was impressed by the team’s performances and added that they are building something special.
It is early on in their development as a side, following the technical changes that happened recently. Although their performance was promising against the Army Boys, a win against Township Rollers could spring Masitaoka to finish the season strong.
Majatlhaga are only nine ( 9) points off from a relegation spot; with both Notwane and MR Highlanders collecting points in recent matches, Aryl Ralebala’s side may have to look over their shoulders heading into the business end of the season.
Since losing their captain and central defender, Basiamisi Sebapalo to Jwaneng Galaxy, Masitaoka’s defence has been leaking in goals and Mogaladi will be looking to address the problem, expecting a gung- ho attack from Rollers.
This is an encounter which has the potential to be an absolute classic, with the two sides in the league playing for what could turn out to be very important points.