Rollers retain top spot

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday March 17, 2014 12:51

 

Striker, Jerome Louis and midfielder, Motsholetsi Sikele’s goals in the second half settled what was merely a dull encounter.

Rollers got into the match, having lost the top spot to BDF XI who had thrashed Police XI 3-0 the previous day. Notwane on the other hand were sitting in precarious situation and had to win after several relegation candidates registered victories on Saturday.

Therefore an interesting encounter was expected between the two Gaborone sides, but that was not to be especially in the first half where the two goalkeepers were rarely troubled.

Rollers were without their defender, Leutlwetse Tshireletso who is nursing an injury. Notwane looked the better side in the first half but were most of the time let down by their poor decision making upfront. The only real chance of the first half came just before the half time break when Rollers’ Obonye Moswate’s header went narrowly wide.

Rollers were awarded a corner kick in the middle of the second half and Notwane defence failed to pick Sikele but his header went wide.

Just a minute later, Rollers launched another attack and Kobamelo Kebaikanye delivered a low cross, which the Namibian striker, Louis connected to give Rollers the lead.

Notwane goalkeeper, Itumeleng Selapa made a double save moments later to deny substitute, Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Sikele, conceding a corner kick in the process. From the resultant corner kick, Notwane survived another scare when Simisane Mathumo’s header hit the upright before they finally cleared out of danger.

Rollers grabbed the second goal late in the second half when Selapa failed to save what appeared like an easy ball from Sikele.

The match also saw Rollers’ defender, Oscar Ncenga receiving a second yellow card of the match, making him unavailable for the match against GU on Wednesday. Rollers are already sweating on the injuries of star midfielder, Lawrence Majawa and defender, Tshireletso.

They will however, go into the Wednesday match with a one point lead at the top of the log. Notwane on the other hand are now living dangerously at position 14.