Rollers return to the top

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday February 24, 2014 14:51

 

The match was marred by controversy towards the end with two red cards as well as a penalty.

The first red card was given to Santos’ defender, McDonald Tshwaranang after he was adjudged to have fouled skillful winger, Gofaone Tiro in the box. Rollers’ midfielder, Maano Ditshupo also received his marching orders, but only after referee, Gaontebale Malete was called to the touchline by the fourth official. This was few minutes after he issued a yellow card to Ditshupo for a foul.

As the free kick was about to be taken, the fourth official called the referee and Ditshupo was sent off. Rollers’ officials tried to protest, arguing that it was only his first yellow card of the game.

The midfielder will now miss this Saturday’s Mascom Top 8 final against BDF XI. Santos’ supporters and players also felt the penalty awarded to Rollers was soft.

Besides the controversy, the match lived up to expectations and Santos who have been struggling this season managed to match Rollers on many fronts. Rollers missed defender, Oscar Ncenga and captain, Sekhana Koko. Ndlovu decided to throw in three striker, Manqoba Ngwenya, Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Jerome Louis but Santos gave them little space.

It was onlt towards the middle of the first half that Rollers managed to find space. Motsholetsi Sikele tried to beat advancing Santos goalkeeper, Kgosietsile Senjoba, but he hit the side netting. Few minutes later, Mwampule Masule was forced to parry away Edmond Muzvidziwa’s shot. Santos knocked again moments later and Masule was again forced to punch away Vincent Nzombe’s effort.

Early in the second half, Rollers tried to increase firepower and made double substitution. Kgetholetsile and Ngwenya made way for Tiro and Kobamelo Kebaikanye, but they had to wait until towards the end of the second half before they got a goal. Tshwaranang was adjudged to have fouled Tiro and the referee pointed to the spot. Tiro stepped up and converted the penalty, giving Rollers maximum points against his former team.