Thunderbolt Strikes Down Rollers

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday February 2, 2015 17:00

Mochudi Center Chiefs' winger, Lemponye Tshireletso (left) and Township Rollers defender, Oscar Ncenga during the two teams clash on Saturday. Tshireletso scored the only goal of the match. PIC: KABO MPAETONA

The victory saw Chiefs catch up with Rollers at the top of the log with both sides now tied on points. However, Chiefs still remain second on goal difference.

As one of the fixtures eagerly anticipated, the duel attracted a big crowd and the two sides displayed some good football though they were not sharp up-front. There were no major surprises to the starting line-ups on both sides.

Onalethata Tshekiso, having scored two goals against BDF XI in the previous fixture started for Chiefs up-front ahead of Bonolo Fraizer, while Tshireletso and Pontsho Moloi operated on the flanks. Rollers started up front with Jerome Ramatlhakwana. Lawrence Majawa sat on the bench with Lesego Molemogi partnering Maano Ditshupo in midfield.

Rollers had the best chances in the first 15 minutes with two of their attempts being cleared off the line. Chiefs’ goalkeeper, Mompoloki Sephekolo looked shaky at the start of the game but settled well afterwards.

The game was balanced although the two sides did not create too many clear-cut chances in the first half. Ramatlhakwana was cautioned for simulation with Rollers players and supporters expecting a penalty from referee, Kutlwano Leso.

Chiefs got their goal in the 34th minute following good work by Tshekiso and Moloi. Moloi unselfishly set up Tshireletso who showed technique and power, beating Rollers’ goalkeeper, Mwampule Masule.

Rollers pushed more numbers up front and could have found the equaliser before the half time break but wasted some clear-cut chances.

Sekhana Koko delivered a dangerous ball into Chiefs area that Sephekolo failed to punch out but Ramatlhakwana’s wasted the glorious chance, tapping wide. After the break, Rollers made double substitutions introducing Lawrence Majawa and Jerome Louis for Obonye Moswate and Motsholetsi Sikele. The two tried to raise the tempo of the game but Chiefs refused to budge and gave as much as they got. Tshekiso and Tshireletso in particular looked dangerous every time they surged forward.

The best chance of the second half came Rollers way when Ramatlhakwana’s header hit the upright. The Magosi victory now sets up an interesting fight at the top for the league title with the second round now going into the fourth week.

The line-ups:

Rollers: Mwampule Masule, Simisane Mathumo, Sekhana Koko, Obuile Ncenga, Motsholetsi Sikele (Louis), Lesego Molemogi (Edwin Moalosi), Obonye Moswate (Majawa), Segolame Boy, Tshepho Motlhabankwe, Maano Ditshupo, Jerome Ramatlhakwana

Chiefs: Mompoloki Sephekolo, Othusitse Pilane, Ontse Ntesa, Keabetswe Jenamiso, Wilbroad Mutale, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Ocean Mpofu (Galagwe Moyana), Pontsho Moloi, Onalethata Tshekiso (Fraizer), Tendai Nyumasi, Lemponye Tshireletso (Phenyo Mongala)

Cautions: Galenamotlhale, Ramatlhakwana, Moloi

Referee: Kutlwano Leso

Rollers 0

Chiefs 1 (Tshireletso 34)