Rollers/Motlakase Clash End In Stalemate
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 4, 2015 15:25
Rollers made a couple of changes to their line up with speedy winger Gofaone Tiro and midfielder Lesego Molemogi given a rare start, while star player Segolame Boy missed the encounter due to injury.
On the other hand, Motlakase national Under-23 duo of Thato Kebue and Gape Mohutsiwa returned to the starting line up.
Rollers took the game to the visitors from the first minute as they were looking for an early goal. Their efforts were nearly rewarded in the second minute when Tiro’s shot hit the upright.
A good interplay between the hosts in the ninth minute saw Kobamelo Kebaikanye cross the ball into the box where it found Jerome Louis who scored with a diving header. But, the officials ruled the goal offside. In the 13th minute, Popa again nearly scored but Molemogi failed to capitalise on a chance after Motlakase’s goalkeeper Daniel Kedidimetse spilt Tiro’s shot.
The game went into the break goalless with Popa having an upper hand, but failing to find the net.
With only two minutes into the second half, Chouka were awarded a freekick in front of goals but their effort found Noah Maposa well positioned to deal with the shot. Popa missed a number of chances to take the lead with Louis being the culprit in most cases. In the 70th minute, striker Umar Ngobi missed a glorious chance to give his team the lead as Rollers’ defence were caught napping but his header went off target.
Former Rollers attacker, William Kupera failed to punish his former team as his shot went past the goal post.
Motlakase coach introduced Lapololang Motlogi in the 82nd minute in place of Kupera. Motlogi scored with his first touch of the ball, but his goal was ruled offside.
Motlakase coach, Dominic Changwe said he was happy with his team’s play on the day and that they managed to get an away point. “Our game plan worked, the idea was to block Rollers’ wing play. We could have won the game, but we missed a lot of chances,” he said.
His counterpart Rollers’ interim coach Mogomotsi Mpote rued missed chances, but hoped that they will be better in their next game. “It is all about decision-making; take an instance when a player is supposed to pass, but he ends up shooting. But we will get there,” he promised.
The draw leaves Motlakase stuck in the middle lower table while on the other hand Rollers failed to topple Orapa United from the second spot.
Line Ups:
Rollers: Maposa, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Obuile Ncenga, Simisane Mathumo, Thato Bolweleng, Molemogi, Maano Ditshupo, Sekhana Koko (Edwin Moalosi), Kebaikanye, Tiro (Motsholetsi Sikele), Louis (Jerome Ramatlhakwana)
Motlakase: Daniel Kedidimetse, Kebatshabile Monthe, Joseph Nkgoeng, Jomo Bolofete, Kebue, Mohutsiwa, Victor Gomile, Lerato Botshelo, Ngobi, Kupera (Motlogi), Pelaelo Hlabano
Caution: Ditshupo