Orapa find spark to sink Rollers

Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday February 11, 2026 08:15

He made the remarks after The Ostriches snapped a three-match losing run with a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Township Rollers in an FNB Premiership clash played at the GU Stadium on Saturday evening.

Following a difficult start to the campaign, Orapa claimed only their fourth league victory of the season and a first clean sheet in four matches to signal a potential turnaround as the season enters its decisive phase.

Rollers, playing at home, started the contest on the front foot and looked the sharper side in the opening exchanges.

Omphile Vissagie, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng and Kago Monyake all had decent chances in the first half but failed to convert, as the Blues were left to rue missed opportunities.

Despite spending long spells without the ball, Orapa carried a constant threat on the counter, and the first half ended goalless with the visitors quietly growing in confidence.

The Ostriches emerged with renewed intent after the break and were rewarded 17 minutes into the second half.

Lesotho forward Tebogo Letsema, who tormented the Rollers defence throughout the evening, turned provider by teeing up Amogelang Reetsang to break the deadlock with his first-ever goal in Orapa colours in the 62nd minute.

Letsema was again at the heart of the decisive moment, capping a man-of-the-match performance with a second assist.

This time he found substitute Thabiso Bante, who calmly slotted into the far corner in the 78th minute to put the result beyond doubt and give Orapa a two-goal cushion with 12 minutes to play.

Rollers pushed late in search of a response, but Orapa’s defence held firm. The Blues came closest in the dying moments when Mosha Gaolaolwe’s header sailed inches over the bar, summing up a frustrating night for the home side.

The victory leaves Orapa seventh on the log, just a point behind sixth-placed Rollers, and Chinyemba believes the momentum could carry his side through the remainder of the season.

“This win brings a good feeling in the camp,” said Chinyemba. “We struggled a lot at the beginning and in the middle of the season, mainly because we were lacking quality, especially in the final third. We managed to get it right in the January transfer window and I believe we are now in a good position to push strongly for the rest of the season.'

The teams:

Rollers: Karamelo Kgosipula, Lemogang Maswena, Simon Bapaletswe, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Temo Segopolo (Onkarabile Ratanang), Botshelo Mangena, Omphile Vissagie, Phillip Kaku, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng, Tlotlo Kgaolo (Lehlohonolo Fothoane), Kago Monyake (Kago Sesinyi)

Orapa: Abbey Olebeng, Botsile Sakana, Gothusang Osego, Kemoneetswe Mmangwed, Ratlhogo Ratlhogo, Baille Kamara, Amogelang Reetsang (Koketso Majafi), Oarabile Sekwai (Thabo Babutsi), Kazadi Gauthier (Thabiso Bante), Otiniela Nsunzu (Kgosi Tsimele), Tebogo Letsema

Rollers 0 Orapa 2 (Reetsang 62nd, Bante 78th)