Rollers Hand Police First Defeat
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday November 29, 2021 16:01
Defender, Simisane Mathumo’s first half header proved enough to separate the two sides, giving Rollers their fourth win of the season.
The hosts, Police XI missed their top striker, Moemedi ‘ Jomo’ Moatlhaping who is currently recovering after collapsing during a training session last week. Rollers on the other hand also missed four players, Onkarabile Ratanang, Aaron Marc Dion, Mohamed Diallo and Jean Betrand Irandukunda through injuries. Rollers coach, Hasan Oktay handed youngsters, Bame Morwalela and Phenyo Serameng their first starts this season. Police XI were the first to call Rollers goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe into action, 11 minutes into the match.
Rollers defence was caught napping on the right wing and Eliphas Nyambi perfectly set up Hendrick Moyo. However his shot was parried back into play. Seven minutes later, Rollers had their chance when Police XI goalkeeper, Lesego Bosekeng spilled Lobopo Moremi's freekick inside the box, giving Serameng a chance. However Police XI defender, Tonderai Nyakuba found himself on the right spot at the right time and cleared the ball from the goal line.
The Jungle Kings appeared to have problems dealing with aerial balls and they were eventually punished in the 39th minute when Mathumo rose above their defence and powered a header into the net from Tlhalefo Molebatsi’s corner kick. The goal separated the two sides at halftime.
Early in the second half, the two sides made substitutions with Police XI introducing Tapiwa Gadibolae for Larona Modisaemang. Rollers on the other hand pulled out Morwalela and replaced him with Edwin Moalosi.
Police XI had the chance to level matters late in the game but Nyambi made a hash of what should have been an easy effort. He found himself unmarked on the edge of the box but ballooned his shot over the crossbar. The result now means Rollers and log leaders, Gaborone United (GU) remain the only sides in the league who have not tasted defeat this season.
In his post match interview, Rollers coach, Oktay said it was an important victory after dropping the points against Security Systems a fortnight ago. “Getting three points in an away game is a good result,” he said. Lotlaamoreng on the other hand said they conceded a silly goal, which should have been avoided. “And that was immediately after I told my players that they should watch out for Mathumo when they defend corner kicks.
The teams:
Police XI: Lesego Bosekeng, Botshelo Mangena, Letsweletse Leririma, Tonderai Charles Nyakuba, Chicco Molefe, Letlhogonolo Senwelo, Hendrick Moyo, Eliphas Nyambi, Larona Modisaemang (Tapiwa Gadibolae), Ogomoditse Sitang (Richard Legwaila), Betsho Pius
Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Kago Monyake, Jackson Lesole, Simisani Mathumo, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Maano Ditshupo, Lobopo Moremi, Bame Morwalela (Edwin Moalosi), Segolame Boy (Boyo Lechaena), Tlhalefo Molebatsi (Motsholetsi Sikele), Phenyo Serameng (Ofentse Nato)
Cautions: Oktay, Moremi