Mlauzi looks forward to Galaxy game

BOTSWANA-based Zimbabwean attacker Nigel Mlauzi is ready for the new Botswana Premier League season which starts on September 16.

He and his Nico United side will start their season with a trip to Jwaneng to face defending champions Jwaneng Galaxy and Mlauzi said that he is looking forward to the new campaign.

“We travel to face a very strong team that has even beefed up their squad but the fact that they play so many games should be used to our advantage. We have had weeks of preparation and I personally think that I am ready for the new season, a season in which I hope that I will improve on my numbers,” said Mlauzi.

Tinashe Chinyani is the other Zimbabwean left in the team after the departure of Kelvin Ndebele at the end of last season, and they will face fellow Zimbabweans who turn out for Galaxy, these being Daniel Msendami, Cleopas Dube and Nqobizitha Masuku.

The 22-year-old said his knowledge of the Zimbabwean contingent in the opposition could make all the difference.

“Of course we were once teammates with Msendami at Bosso90 so I know a lot about him and his movement, I also used to watch Nqo (Nqobizitha Masuku) when he was with Highlanders’ first team, I cannot say much of Cleopas Dube as I have not trained or played with him before. I think my knowledge of those players might come in handy in the tough fixture we are facing,” he said.

Their match against Jwaneng Galaxy is set to be played during the week as their opponents are scheduled to play the Caf Champions League preliminary round match against South African giants Orlando Pirates and Mlauzi has said that he and his team will have to make sure that they use the situation to their advantage.

“It is probably one of the best times to be playing them as they have a congested fixture list. But they know what has to be done, they have so much quality and experience,” he said.

Nico will also play another giant in the form of Gaborone United in their second match of the season in what seems to be a tough start to the season for Mlauzi and his team.