Rollers end Chiefs unbeaten run
Thato Kala | Monday September 15, 2014 16:03
Chiefs had maintained a 100 percent record in their first four games, but, just like last season, Rollers put an end to that winning streak with a narrow 1-0 win in front of a decent crowd. The defending champions, Rollers extended their 32-match unbeaten run carried from last season. Despite playing second fiddle to Chiefs for much of the game, Rollers’ coach Madinda Ndlovu had the last laugh.
“I have always said it will take a Madinda Ndlovu-coached Chiefs to beat Rollers and a Madinda Ndlovu-coached Rollers to beat Chiefs,” Ndlovu told Monitor Sport after the game. Chiefs committed a foul just outside the 18-yard box in the third minute. Rollers hit the cross bar from that free kick and the ball was brought back into play.
A well-positioned Louis slotted in from close range to thrust his side ahead in the fourth minute. Exactly a minute later, Chiefs broke free on the counter, but Kekaetswe ‘Mara’ Moloi wasted the chance with Pontsho Moloi anticipating a pass in the penalty spot area. In one moment of brilliance, Chiefs knocked the ball around excellently, moving forward but yielded nothing from that buildup.
Instead, they were left exposed at the back as Rollers countered with the maverick Segolame Boy aiding attack.
The game went into a lull for the next 15 minutes with little threatening to score from both sides. Chiefs had a free kick a few metres from the 18 yard box on the half hour mark and Lemponye Tshireletso’s well-taken effort was deflected by Obuile Ncenga for a corner. Rollers had a chance shortly afterwards but Chiefs defended well to keep the score narrow. Chiefs momentarily controlled the game again in search of an equaliser while Rollers were usually quick on the break.
In the 38th minute, Masule proved the reason for his meteoric rise when he tipped over Pontsho Moloi’s well taken free kick.
Six minutes later, a Rollers defender handled in the box and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. Chiefs’ new boy Tendai Nyumasi took up the responsibility ahead of Pontsho Moloi and Lemponye Tshireletso, but Masule denied him after diving to the right with just a minute before the break.
Mara Moloi had another chance to draw level during added time but missed with Masule drawn out. The second half was a tedious affair with the first real scoring chance coming on the hour mark. It was a Rollers free kick just on the edge of the box, but they failed to put it to good use. Chiefs coach Mike Sithole made a chance in the 65th minute, pulling out the exciting Ayanda Molefhe and introducing Bonolo Fraizer. Louis had his header hit the cross bar in the 73rd minute before Masule pulled another close save three minutes later.
Rollers had a little more possession at that stage with Chiefs no longer a threat going forward. Rollers came close again with just eight minute to go but could not add to their tally as Raphael Nthwane saved Chiefs.
Masule capped off a fine performance with another save off Pontsho Moloi’s effort two minutes from time. Ndlovu was happy to have ended Chiefs’ unbeaten run.
“This game was filled with a lot of emotions, a lot of tension and both sides wanted to win. I am glad we won it. We were the first to stop them last season and we have done it again.
We have put three points in the game, and we are looking forward to the next game,” he said. Chiefs captain Pontsho Moloi said he was happy they still led the log by a point.
“I think it was one-way traffic after their goal up until the last minute of the game. Our performance was good except that we missed chances and a penalty.”
Line-ups:
Chiefs: Raphael Nthwane, Othusitse Pilane, Ontse Ntesa, Keabetswe Jenamiso, Wilboard Mutale, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Pontsho Moloi, Tendai Nyumasi (Ocean Mpofu), Kekaetswe Moloi, Molefe (Fraizer), Lemponye Tshireletso
Rollers: Masule, Simisani Mathumo, Otlantshekela Mooketsi, Ncenga, Lawrence Majawa, Obonye Moswate, Motsholetsi Sikele (Gofaone Tiro), Maano Ditshupo, Jerome Louis (Manqoba Ngwenya), Segolame Boy, Kobamelo Kebaikanye
Cautions: Mpofu, Galenamotlhale, Pontsho Moloi, Jerome Louis