Torreira praises 'big player' Aldalur

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday March 17, 2026 11:51

The utility player struck twice in the second half to hand Chiefs a commanding 2–0 victory over rivals Township Rollers in a tense FNB Premiership encounter at GU Stadium on Saturday evening.

Aldalur, who arrived in January alongside Torreira, opened his scoring account for Magosi with a clinical brace while operating in a deeper midfield role.

Torreira said the Spaniard’s versatility and experience make him a valuable asset to the team.

“I know Aldalur very well, he was my player in India. He is a top player. He can play in some positions like full back, centre back and midfield. He is a big player,” Torreira said after the match.

Chiefs started brightly and looked the more threatening side in the opening exchanges. Inside the first 15 minutes they created two clear opportunities, but Evans Rusike and Ronaldo Fortune both failed to hit the target.

Magosi continued to dominate proceedings offensively but struggled to convert their chances. On the stroke of halftime, Nahuel Melgarejo attempted to surprise the goalkeeper at the near post, but Karamelo Kgosipula reacted quickly to parry the effort wide.

The two sides went into the break deadlocked at 0–0. Chiefs resumed the second half with renewed intent and almost took the lead just two minutes after the restart when Rusike’s header sailed narrowly over the bar.

Moments later, Kgosipula produced another fine save to deny Melgarejo, keeping Rollers in the contest. At the other end, Rollers nearly broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Thatayaone Ramatlapeng rattled the crossbar.

However, Chiefs capitalised on a costly defensive error five minutes later. Simisane Mathumo misplaced a pass at the back and Chiefs quickly punished the mistake.

Aldalur stepped up and curled a superb effort into the top corner in the 63rd minute to hand his side the lead.

Chiefs nearly doubled their advantage three minutes later, but Rusike squandered a good chance from inside the box. Aldalur eventually sealed the victory in the 86th minute, reacting quickest to a failed Rollers clearance before firing home to complete his brace.

Despite attempts from Rollers to fight their way back into the match, Chiefs held firm to secure all three points and maintain their pursuit of the leading pack.

The teams:

Rollers: Karamelo Kgosipula, Lemogang Maswena, Simisane Mathumo, Onkarabile Ratanang, Temo Segopolo (Botshelo Mangena), Mosha Gaolaolwe, Phillip Kaku, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Thapelo Balatlheng (Kago Sesinyi), Kago Monyake (Marcel Papama), Thatayaone Ramatlapeng

Chiefs: Keeagile Kgosipula, Tshepo Malgas, Shanganani Nganda, Kgosietsile Enerst, Benson Mangolo, Aitor Aldalur, Monty Enosa, Gilbert Baruti (Razeen Bennett), Ronaldo Fortune, Evans Rusike (Hendrick Moyo), Nahuel Melgarejo (Resaobaka Thatanyane)

Rollers 0 Chiefs 2 (Aldalur 63rd, 86th)