Extension Gunners Public Relations Officer (PRO), Keorapetse Kgasa, says revenge will be upmost in their minds when they face Township Rollers in the Barclays Kabelano Charity Cup. In what is a repeat of last year’s draw, the Lobatse side was paired with Rollers when the lots were cast. Perhaps with the 7 ÔÇô 1 humiliation at the hands of Rollers in last year’s encounter still fresh in their minds, the draw seemed to dampen the spirits of Gunners supporters, but not so with their PRO.
While the Barclays Kabelano Charity cup is seen more as a pre-season preparation, the Gunners PRO believes a clash with Rollers, whether it is a friendly or an official game is something that everyone looks forward to and none of the teams wants to lose. Speaking in an interview after the draw, Kgasa said they are itching to face Rollers again and avenge last year’s season. “This is the clash we have been looking for and we are motivated. Rollers beat us last year and they owe us one. We are ready for them,” the Gunners PRO declared. With a host of new players expected through the door at Gunners, Kgasa said there will be no lack of motivation as the coaching staff and players will be looking to impress. He said the same applies to their new coach Keitumetse Pio Paul, whom he said is motivated to prove his worth.
“Pio comes with a different motive this time around. He wants to put himself on the market and prove that he is among the country’s best emerging coaches. He has his own personal edge and he wants to enhance his reputation. He wants to challenge for all cups and the league,” the Gunners PRO said. For his part, Rollers’ PRO, Bafana Pheto said his team will be keen to defend the cup they won last year. Our intention from the onset is that we beat Gunners and whoever makes the final to face us between Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Sankoyo Bush Bucks,” the Rollers PRO declared. Pheto said as the situation is at the moment, Rollers have been able to beef up their squad and will use the Barclays Kabelano Charity cup to make a statement of intent for the new season. “As you are aware, we missed out on both the league and cup glories last year and we are now very hungry for success. Our intention is not just to compete but to win every cup on offer this coming season,” the Rollers PRO said.
Pheto said going into the Kabelano Charity Cup, supporters will have to expect some new faces in the Rollers’ line up, among which will be veteran midfielder Mogogi Gabonamong as well as their newly acquired striker Carl Finnigan. In another clash, Kabelano Charity Cup debutants, Sankoyo Bush Bucks will come up against beMobile Premier League reigning champions in the first game of the charity spectacular. Meanwhile, Centre Chiefs PRO, Clifford Mogomotsi says while his team will unleash a host of new talent on the opponents during the Barclays sponsored charity cup, his team will be going all out to win.
“Our intention this year is not only to defend our league title but also to win all cups and competitively compete in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) champions’ league. The Barclays Kabelano Charity cup therefore provides us with an opportunity to measure ourselves and fine tune ourselves for the season ahead and we will not take it lightly,” the Chiefs PRO said. With a host of players expected to be released and another new batch expected through the door, Mogomotsi said the charity cup will give them a clue as to where they need to beef up before the season starts. The Barclays Kabelano Charity cup is billed for the National Stadium on the 25th of this month (July).
