Kgaswane torches Rollers as GU tighten title grip

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday January 27, 2026 10:12

The Reds have now opened a five-point cushion at the top of the FNB Premiership and stretched their unbeaten run against Popa to four matches.

The pulsating clash had the highest scoring derby since the 2017-2018 season and lived up to its billing as GU showcased clinical finishing while Rollers were left to rue missed chances and costly lapses.

GU wasted no time stamping their authority in the contest. Kgaswane broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with a thunderous long-range strike that left goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe beaten.

Rollers attempted to regroup and enjoyed spells of possession, but GU remained sharp on the counter attack. Their second goal arrived just before halftime through striker, Ibrohim Youssouf, who produced a moment of pure class.

The forward cushioned a long ball on his chest, turned swiftly and unleashed a beautifully struck volley into the far top corner to double GU’s advantage.

Popa came out firing after the break following the introduction of Marcel Papama. The substitute made an immediate impact, sliding a neat square pass to Kago Sesinyi who tapped in from close range just two minutes into the second half to pull one back.

Buoyed by the goal, Rollers piled pressure on the league leaders, dominating possession and forcing GU into a defensive shell. For long stretches it appeared an equaliser was inevitable as the Blues pushed forward with renewed energy. However, football once again proved cruel.

Against the run of play, GU struck the decisive blow in the 89th minute. Rollers were looking to restart quickly after winning a free-kick but a misplaced pass gifted GU possession.

Kgaswane pounced, raced through on a swift counterattack and calmly slotted past Dambe to complete his derby-day brace and seal the victory.

The win was further boosted by second-placed Jwaneng Galaxy’s away draw at Calendar Stars, allowing GU to stretch their lead at the summit to five points as the title race begins to take shape.

GU interim coach, Khalid Ninyonzima, hailed his side’s tactical discipline after a demanding run of fixtures.

“The game was tactical especially on our side, considering that we played three games in six days, with two of them being category A games. We had to plan how to manage the moments and that is why we allowed Rollers to have the ball,” he said.

“We knew they would attack from the sides. In the first half we did not contain them enough on the left, but in the second half we did better. I am happy we collected the three points and achieved what we came to do.”

The Teams

Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Lemogang Maswena, Simon Bapaletswe, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Utlwanang Ramakgathi (Onkarabile Ratanang), Botshelo Mangena, Omphile Vissagie (Marcel Papama), Phillip Kaku, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Lehlohonolo Fothoane), Thapelo Balatlheng, Kago Sesinyi (Tlotlo Kgaolo)

GU: Thabo Motswagole, Alphord Velaphi, Ivan Kamberipa, Tatenda Gora, Mothusi Johnson, Lebogang Ditsile, Karabo Phiri, Omphile Ramoagi (Ambrosius Amseb), Mpho Kgaswane, Thabo Maponda (Sheikh Sesay), Ibrohim Youssouf (Godfrey Tauyatswala (Kamogelo Moloi)

Rollers 1 (Sesinyi 47th) GU 3 (Kgaswane 10th, 89th, Youssouf 44th)