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Bruised Popa host high-flying galaxy

Portia Mlilo
FLASHBACK: Leinanyane shielding the ball from Molebatsi last season

Township Rollers has to put their shock 3-0 loss to Molepolole minnows Masitaoka FC behind them to face a marauding Jwaneng Galaxy this Sunday at the National Stadium, just an hour ahead of the World Cup Final kickoff in Qatar.

The weekend loss has left Thabo Motang’s team perched on the fifth position with 14 points, five behind the second placed Galaxy and log leaders Gaborone United who hold a superior goal difference.

In an interview with Voice Sport on Wednesday, Motang said there was no time to dwell on the past.

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Instead his charges have to focus on their next match and get their campaign back on track.

“Losing, upsets and surprises are part of the game,” said Motang.

Rollers’ former legendary keeper told Voice Sport his players understand the mammoth task ahead, and would be up to the challenge.

“It is going to be a mountain to climb, but we will reach the peak. I love the confidence of my boys, they are focused. We shall bounce back,” Motang added cheekily.

His opposing number, Morena Ramoreboli chose to be diplomatic in his response.

He commended Rollers for their past achievements and their status in local football.

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The former Bloemfontein Celtics and Bafana Bafana coach said their Sunday opponent is a big club which deserves respect.

Ramoreboli said while he expects his players to bring their A-game, the unfortunate thing is they’ve not been able to watch their opponents play.

“Football is a game of emotions and I always emphasise that they should not bring emotions into the game to avoid mistakes,” he said.

“We’ve to approach the game with caution because we’re up against a tough opponent, with good players,” said Ramoreboli, whose team lost both meetings with Rollers 1-0 last season.

Bruised Popa host high-flying galaxy
Last-five-team-meetings

The tactician will banking on his Namibian striker Wendell Rudath who has rattled the net four times in seven matches.

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He however will be without his trusted captain, centre-back, Thabo Leinanyane and Gilbert Baruti through injury, while Gift Moyo is serving a red card suspension.

Kick-off is 1600hrs.

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