- Much is at stake for both sides beyond imminent clash
- One aims to stay in BPL, the other means to gain promotion
- Both teams are familiar with each other from the First Division
GAZETTE REPORTER
Botswana Premier league side Holy Ghost will be hoping to use their newfangled winning formula to full advantage when they face off against embattled First Division South side Mochudi Centre Chiefs in the Orange FA Cup over the weekend.
“The Holy Boys” registered their first-ever premier league win against Mogoditshane Fighters last weekend and will be looking to enhance their prowess after a recent poor run that for some time seemed irredeemable.
Beyond the crunch clash
Holy Ghost coach Botshelo Pelokgosi told this publication this week that even though their priority is to avoid relegation, they intend to give Centre Chiefs a run for their money in what is a highly-anticipated crunch clash.
“The FA Cup against Centre Chiefs should not disturb our mission of avoiding relegation the Botswana Premier League,” he said. “But it should be noted that the FA Cup is really just a bonus and we do not have to focus much on it.”
Holy Ghost are currently languishing at the bottom of the BPL log with 7 points and face going into a knockout fixture against Centre Chiefs who are currently in 4th place on the First Division South log with 20 points, 6 points adrift of log leaders CrackIT City Pollar.
“I am going to play against Centre Chiefs and must treat them as a big team,” Pelokgosi said. “I expect the game to be even tougher because the two clubs know each other very well from last season in the First Division.”
Instant impact
Regarding what seems a resurrection of Holy Ghost, Pelokgosi recruits signed during the January transfer window and recruits are making an instant impact.
“We spoke to our management to make a few signings and I am glad that they listened, hence the sudden lift in mood around the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, at Mochudi Centre Chiefs the Chairman of Victor Kobe has emphasised club backing for Coach Daniel Chicco Nare after the gaffer was heavily escorted from the pitch after their 2-1 loss against Uniao Flamengo Santos on Sunday.
“I can also guarantee you that we are fully behind the coach and believe he will ultimately turn things around,” he said.
Kobe added that Centre Chiefs fans should exercise patience with the coach even though he understands their frustration, given the profile of the team.
“The players and the technical team know what needs doing when we meet Holy Ghost over the weekend,” he said. “We are ready to win and advance to the next round.”
Chiefs supporters
Kobe noted that expectations are high among Chiefs supporters and investors alike this season, saying this gives the team much impetus to push and gain promotion.
He added that as part of motivating the players, management has a contractual obligation to give the players and the technical team winning bonuses.
Kobe said because relegation of Mochudi Centre Chiefs from BPL in 2019 has left a void in the country’s elite football, the team is determined to get back in order to enliven the premier league.