Louis strike as Popa downs Notwane
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday September 22, 2014 15:00
Louis also scored the goal that separated Rollers and rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs at the same venue (National Stadium) a fortnight ago. Rollers made two changes to their starting line up with Leutlwetse Tshireletso coming in for Simisane Mathumo at the heart of the defence. Tshireletso missed the game against Chiefs due to injury.
Michael Pepukani also started in the goalkeeping with Mwampule Masule out with injury.
Notwane also had two changes to the line up which lost 1-0 to Extension Gunners in the previous game. Saukani Zulu and Emmanuel Masisi started up front with Pako Gaofose and Tlhalefang Molefe relegated to the bench. Notwane were playing their first game this season under the tutelage of caretaker coach, Chris Rabalago following the sacking of head coach, Innocent Morapedi last week. His departure came following a series of defeats. Notwane have only won one game out of six.
Against Rollers, Notwane dished out a much-improved performance and managed to contain the defending champions for the entire first 45 minutes.
The first real chance of the match came in the 32nd minute. Segolame Boy found himself one-on-one with Notwane goalkeeper, Itumeleng Selapa and opted for power when he took his shot. Selapa parried away and conceded a corner in the process. Selapa made another incredible save moments later, this time denying Kobamelo Kebaikanye.
Notwane got their chance five minutes later. Zulu nicely released Masisi, but Rollers’ goalkeeper, Pepukani came off his line and saved. With time running out in the first half, Rollers launched more attacks in search of a goal against resilient youthful Notwane side. Rollers were awarded a free kick and Otlantshekela Mooketsi curled it into the box. Notwane cleared but the ball fell into the path of Boy on the edge of the 18th area. Boy took a shot with Notwane goalkeeper out of his line but the ball was cleared off the line by Gogontle Marumo. Just before half time, Louis received the ball in a tight angle and hit the upright.
Both Notwane Rollers made changes in the second half to try and search for a goal. Rollers captain, Maano Ditshupo made way for Manqoba Ngwenya while Notwane replaced Kgaodi Odirile with Thato Mogorosi.
However it was Rollers substitution that paid off. Ngwenya received a ball just after the centre and laid a perfect through ball to Louis who made no mistake, slotting past advancing Selapa to finally break the deadlock.
Line-ups:
Gunners: Pepukani, Obonye Moswate, Mooketsi, Tshireletso, Oscar Ncenga, Lawrence Majawa, Motsholetsi Sikele (Molebatsi), Ditshupo (Ngwenya), Louis, Boy, Kobamelo Kebaikanye (Gofaone Tiro)
Notwane: Selapa, Kereng Mpetang, Andrew Makopo, Mothuba, Gogontle Marumo, Mbole, Maswena, Zulu, Masisi, Odirile (Mogorosi), Machinya (Gaofose)
Cautions: Machinya