Morapedi bullish despite dropped points
Larona Makhaiza | Tuesday January 14, 2025 13:33
For the second consecutive match, Rollers failed to collect maximum points, which would have put them on level points with log leaders, TAFIC. Morapedi, speaking on behalf of new head coach, Abdelaziz Karkache, remained unfazed and stated that his side is still on a good run. 'This is only the first round and we cannot count ourselves out yet but it's four points lost in the past two games. Everyone at the Rollers family would have wanted us to at least win one of the games,' Morapedi said. Morapedi further stated that it is imperative now for Popa to be locked in as the league approaches the second round with 14 matches played. 'From here we are going for the best, it's only that on a day we can fail to get maximum points but the intention is now to get all the maximum points against every opponent we face,' Morapedi said.
The game at the VTM Arena started on a high tempo and the visitors broke the deadlock 23 seconds into the game. Lanky forward Godfrey Tauyatswala showed class as he chipped the ball over VTM goalkeeper, Lesang Senne, to give his side a dream start. A minute later VTM started asking questions of their own with Kabelo Dambe forced to tip the ball over the bar for a corner from Onkgolotse Motlhabankwe's strike. Returning from long-term injury, Mogakolodi Ngele, nearly handed Rollers the second goal but was denied by Senne who was on high alert. The two teams kept going at each other pound for pound. In the 25th minute, Ayanda Molefhe bottled a one-on-one chance to level matters for his side as Dambe was on hand to deny him. The teams headed to the tunnel with Rollers holding on to their lead. After probing for an equaliser for most part of the game, VTM finally found the back of the net. Wilfred Dithwane made up for his earlier mistakes by scoring a sublime free-kick leaving Dambe flatfooted.
Both VTM and Rollers continued searching for the winning goal but the final third decisions let them down as they settled for the share of the spoils. The draw left Rollers two points behind leaders TAFIC while VTM slipped out of the top eight bracket. VTM assistant coach, Lemponye Tshireletso, said his side should start collecting points to be safe from relegation. 'If you look at the log standings we are not really safe from relegation so we really need to start collecting three points and cement our place in the league,' he said.
The teams VTM: Lesang Senne, Keabetswe Lucas, Thato Mogorosi, Onkgolotse Motlhabankwe, Kesaobaka Ramotshwaedi, Tumisang Mokopi, Wilfred Dithwane, Ronald Moipolai, Senatla Molefhe, Ryan Moir (Thabang Watlala), Kabelo Thari. Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Simisane Mathumo, Lemogang Maswena, Simon Bapaletswe, Onkarabile Ratanang, Kago Monyake (Segolame Boy), Mothusi Cooper, Omphile Vissagie (Ambrosius Amseb), Godfrey Tauyatswala, Botshelo Mangena, Mogakolodi Ngele (Makenga Dina)
VTM 1 (Dithwane 62nd) Rollers 1 (Tauyatswala 1st)