Former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Mogakolodi Ngele will lead Botswana Premier League leaders, Township Rollers, in Saturday’s derby against holders Gaborone United (GU).
The Gaborone Derby, set for the National Stadium in the capital, is the biggest fixture on the domestic fixture of South Africa’s neighbours, Botswana.
Ngele rejoined Rollers, who are affectionately called Popa, after spending a successful career in South Africa.
NGELE IS A DRIVING FORCE
The former Zebras star Ngele played for Sundowns, SuperSport United, Platinum Stars and Black Leopards, among other PSL teams.
The seasoned winger has been among the driving forces for Popa, who have lost once and won three in the league so far.
Rollers coach Thabo Motang told the club’s website that he does not need an introduction to what a derby entails.
“I am proud to be leading the team for this match, which has a lot of history. I have experience of the derby as a player and coach; I understand its nature and pressure, and look forward to a good game,” he said.
“GU have a great team; they are the current champions. They have been keeping clean sheets so far. We know we have a huge task before us and we are prepared to answer the questions they pose.
“We will also pose some questions to them. We believe in the strength of our team, we are focused on achieving victory, and our preparations are going well for Saturday,” Motang said
Ahead of the big game, GU captain Mpho Kgaswane said the form book would not count in Saturday’s game.
DERBY IS DIFFERENT
“Derby is a different ball game. Everything can happen; it just depends on how you respond on the day. As players, we are ready,” Kgaswane told the club’s media.
Rollers lead the log table, one point ahead of the third-placed United going into the derby.
Holy Ghost need divine intervention down the table as they anchor the standings with one point from four games.
FULL FIXTURES
Saturday:
Rollers v Gaborone United @3pm
Prison XI v Eleven Angels @4pm
Jwaneng Galaxy v Opara United @ 4pm
Sua Flamingoes v Security Systems @ 4pm
Gunners v BDF XI @4pm
Masitaoka v Police XI @4pm
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