Mpote unfazed of Nico struggles
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday February 5, 2024 18:24
Rollers beat Nico 2-0 courtesy of a Mbatshi Elias’ first half brace. The loss has dropped Majambolo to the root of the log standings with just 10 points from 14 games played.
The team remains with a single win, lost six times and have played to a draw on seven occasions. Mpote told journalists after the game that he is motivated by the slim margins in the bottom half of the table and his side could still survive relegation with more than half of the league games to be played. “I am not scared of where Nico is currently placed on the log, that is why I agreed to come and help the team.
I believe that with these boys, though I arrived after the (transfer) window was closed, we do not have gun men but what do you do? You train what you have to become good strikers that would convert goals. Secondly, if you look at the league, around 10 teams are swimming and the same teams that are swimming, we will have to play against them. So why should we worry, we need to beat the ones near us (on the log) so we can uplift our standings,” Mpote said. It took only three minutes for the hosts to open the scores as Elias tucked in from close range at the end of a good move by Rollers on the third minute.
From the goal, Popa controlled proceedings early into the tie while Majombolo were always caught chasing. Elias doubled his tally connecting well with Obonwe Maome’s cross on the 20th minute as the forward looked sharp from his long layoff due to an injury. Segolame Boy came close for Rollers on the 29th minute but his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.
On the brink of half time, Boy chipped the ball over the goalkeeper but his attempt was cleared over the line by the defence. Rollers took a 2-0 lead into the break. The visitors looked a much more improved team in the first 10 minutes of the second half but struggled to penetrate the Rollers’ defence. Kelvin Ndebele came close for Nico but his chance was superbly blocked by Onkarabile Ratanang on the 67th minute. On his debut, Thabiso Mokenkoane rounded the goalkeeper but with the goal gaping, he hit the upright on the 89th minute. Popa bagged three points on the evening to stay atop.
The teams Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Motsholetsi Sikele, Thabo Babutsi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Onkarabile Ratanang, Phenyo Serameng, Edwin Moalosi (Shaun Gcumeni), Mogakolodi Ngele, Segolame Boy (Omphile Vissagie), Mbatshi Elias (Thabiso Mokenkoane), Obonwe Maome (Thabo Rakhale)
Nico: Gaolatlhe Tshupetsego, Botshelo Motsheja, Gothusang Osego, Bapaletswe Simon, Thabo Mosielele, Kudakwashe Tsvamuno (Fidel Ntshekisang), Kabelo Babusi, Comfort Dikupa (Miguel Mlauzi), Kelvin Ndebele, Tshepiso Matshuba (Kamogelo Mpahlele), Lesego Morapedi (Fortune Tuelo) Cautions: Maome, Tsvamuno
Rollers 2 (Elias third, 20th) Nico United 0