Rollers Bow Out Of CAF Competition
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday March 2, 2015 18:00
Chiefs advanced with a 3-1 aggregate, having won 2-1 in the first leg played in Johannesburg two weeks ago.
Siyabonga Nkosi’s goal in the 27th minute was enough to see the Soweto club through to the next round of the competition, where they will meet Raja Casablanca of Morocco.
On Saturday, Rollers did not make changes to the starting line up which fell to 2-1 defeat in the first leg.
Motsholetsi Sikele and Kobamelo Kebaikanye operated on the wings as Rollers attempted to unsettle Chiefs’ full backs with the two speedy wingers.
Despite the National Stadium being filled to near capacity, Rollers could not take advantage of the large support and struggled to impose themselves in the game.
Kaizer Chiefs, on the other hand, also struggled to control the game but managed to get the vital goal in the 27th minute.
Rollers defence failed to make a clearance at the back and Nkosi received the ball and took a shot, beating Mwampule Masule.
Before the goal, both sides had failed to create any clear goal scoring opportunities. With both Kebaikanye and Sikele struggling to unlock Chiefs’ full backs, Rollers’ striker, Jerome Louis looked isolated upfront. In the second half, Rollers introduced Manqoba Ngwenya and Sekhana Koko to try and get a goal.
They managed to create chances especially with dead ball situations, but could not convert those chances.
Despite bowing out of the competition, Rollers coach, Madinda Ndlovu was happy with the performance of his players.
“Our game plan was to get an early goal, but their (Chiefs) tactics denied us that goal. We made a defensive blunder which led to the goal, but pound for pound we matched them,” he said.
Chiefs’ coach, Stuart Baxter was happy with the result, but complained about the state of the pitch, which he said, was not good to play proper football.
He said their aim was to get an early goal, which they did. Realising that Rollers were bringing on Manqoba Ngwenya in the second half, Baxter responded with the introduction of Morgan Gould to try and deal with his (Ngwenya) physical presence.
The Line-ups:
Rollers: Mwampule Masule, Obonye Moswate, Otlantshekela Mooketsi, Simisane Mathumo, Lawrence Majawa, Motsholetsi Sikele (Manqoba Ngwenya), Maano Ditshupo, Jerome Louis, Segolame Boy, Kobamelo Kebaikanye (Sekhana Koko)
Chiefs: Brilliant Khuzwayo, Siboniso Gaxa, Tshepo Masilela (Kgotso Moleko), Tefu Mashamaite, Eric Mathoho, Willard Katsande, Mandla Masango (Morgan Gould), Nkosi, Bernard Parker, Mathew Rusike (Katlego Mphela), Siphiwe Tshabalala
Chiefs 1 (Siyabonga Nkosi 27th)
Rollers 0