04 Nov 2021

Jwaneng Galaxy FC will travel to the National Stadium to face a stern test against high flying Township Rollers in their second Botswana Premier League match billed for Saturday.

Both teams are oozing confidence after Rollers handed Extension Gunners its first loss in their league opener last week while Galaxy put four past a hapless Gilport Lions a day after.

Rollers is expected to welcome back their Rwandan import Jean-Bertrand Iradukunda, who sat out in their opening game due to a knock he picked on national duty.

The 25-year-old former Gasoki United goal poacher is highly anticipated to make it to the starting line-up of Rollers mentor, Oktay Hassan.

The Blues as Rollers are  fondly known in football circles are once again expected to rely on the talented attacking midfielder Lemponye Tshireletso, who bagged a brace last week.

Galaxy is expected to play their hearts out for both bragging rights and another chance to defend the league title.

Galaxy have grown in confidence after their impressive continental exploits and a loss against fierce rivals would dampen their mood in the CAF race.

The team’s back central defender Gofaone Molapi, who has been nursing an injury, is expected to marshal the defensive midfield wall against the marauding Rollers attack.

Sadly Galaxy are still missing the service of Gift Moyo, who was injured in a pre-season training.

Galaxy remain one of the teams that kept their best players in the last transfer window despite losing regular players;  Thero Setsile and Lebogang Ditsele to Orapa United and Gaborone United respectively.

Speaking in an interview ahead of their epic clash against Rollers, Galaxy spokesperson Tankiso Morake said fixtures against the likes of Rollers was a determining factor to their title ambitions.

He said although it remained his coach’s discretion, they were likely to assemble the same team that dismantled Gilport last Sunday.

They are also expected to welcome to the technical bench coach Morena Ramorebodi, who sat out in the last match due to family commitments.

Rollers spokesperson Bafana Pheto assured the Blue Nation a take-off from where they left against Galaxy.

He said the past results against Galaxy had given them hope that their opponents were always second best after them.

The two teams have always come neck and neck in the first and second spot for the past four premier league seasons with Galaxy finally clinching the 2019/2020 season.

Meanwhile, the premier league continues across the country with a number of mouth-watering fixtures lined up.

Still on Saturday, Gunners, who are nursing fresh bruises from last week’s loss to Rollers, will look to redeem their pride against the tougher than nails Orapa United in Lobatse.

Police XI welcomes Notwane FC in Otse.

A double header is slated for Serowe Sports Complex, where BR Highlanders take on Gaborone United before Morupole Wanderers take on Masitaoka FC at 9:45pm.

On Sunday Sua Flamingoes will take on Mogoditshane Fighters in Francistown, while Gilport Lions face Prisons at the National Stadium. ENDS