Rollers move to the top
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday November 21, 2022 10:58
Popa defeated visiting Nico United 3-0 at the National Stadium with goals from Mosha Gaolaolwe, Motsholetsi Sikele and Terdius Uiseb.
The home side dominated proceedings from the first whistle until the 17th minute when Gaolaolwe broke the deadlock. The Zebras defender headed home from a rebound after a scramble in the box.
Nico goalkeeper, Gaolathe Tshupegetso suffered an injury in the process and was replaced by Moraka Tauyatswala. At the time, Nico United were playing deep in their own half with no chances created going forward.
Their first chance came in the 31st minute when Bokamoso Mosima’s shot hit the upright and Rollers defender, Gaolaolwe responded quickly and cleared the ball away from danger.
Moments later, Nico United defender was forced to clear the ball on the goal line with substitute goalkeeper, Tauyatswala well beaten by Thalefo Molebatsi's header. Gaolaolwe’s goal separated the two sides at the half time break. In the second half, Rollers continued to create chances but they failed to turn them into goals until the 76th minute when they were awarded a penalty.
Tauyatswala was adjudged to have tripped Segolame Boy inside the box and Namibian striker, Uiseb stepped forward and calmly converted to increase Rollers' lead.
They got the third in the 87th minute when substitute Bame Morwalela took a shot a goal, which Nico goalkeeper failed to handle and Motsholetsi Sikele tapped into an empty net. Speaking to journalists after the match, Rollers’ head coach, Thabo Motang said he was happy that they managed to score three goals and kept a clean sheet ahead of the derby.
Nico United coach, Philani Ncube said his players gave Rollers too much respect in the first 20 minutes. He also said Tshupegetso’s injury in the first half was a turning point.
The teams:
Rollers: Kabelo Maphakela, Motsholetsi Sikele, Onkarabile Ratang, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Simisani Mathumo, Phenyo Serameng (Phillip Kaku), Thabo Wetshoetsile, Thalefo Molebatsi (Shaun Gcumeni), Terdius Uiseb, Morgan Gaseitsiwe (Deon Tjizumaue), Segolame Boy (Bame Morwalela)
Nico United: Gaolathe Tshupegetso (Moraka Tauyatswala), Kgosietsile Mapena, Thabo Mosielele, Seabe Toteng, Stephane Mothwalo, Gothusang Osego, Ogomoditse Bauleni, Tshepiso Matshuba, Brendon Chinyani, Bokamoso Mosima (Mmilili Makwekwe), Kudakwashe Tsvamuno (Botsile Kebaikanye)
Rollers 3 (Gaolaolwe 17th, Uiseb 76th, Sikele 87th) Nico United 0