Rollers are Kabelano champs again
Spira Tlhankane | Monday July 27, 2015 18:02
Three goals from Rollers winger Motsholetsi Sikele ensured that the defending champions secured their title once again against the Kgatleng side. Rollers’ newcomer, Carl Finnigan was sent off late in the game but the 10 men Rollers managed to hold on until the last whistle. With these two clubs having clashed at the same stage last year, there was some unfinished business and so much was at stake.
The match started at a low pace with both teams passing the ball around hoping to catch their opponents on a counter attack.
On the 20th minute, Chiefs won a penalty and Kaelo Kgaswane converted from the spot to break the deadlock. Captain Pontsho Moloi could have increased the lead two minutes later, but Mwampule Masule easily saved the powerless shot. After Chiefs started brighter, Rollers began to take control from around the quarter-hour mark. It was the man of the moment Sikele who equalised for Rollers with a wonderful strike that gave Chiefs’ goal keeper Edwin Mokibe no chance.
The goal ignited wild celebrations from the Rollers supporters and the game went to the break with both teams sharing a goal between them.
As the second half wore on, Magosi regained their ascendancy and goal poacher Mara Moloi diverted a pass beyond Rollers keeper, Noah Maposa. The celebrations were short lived as few minutes later, Sikele completed his brace from an impossible angle on the right side. The score was 2-2 and both teams wanted to score the winner.
Rollers’ Letumile Molebatsi who started the game was clearly keen to impress and he demonstrated visibly high energy levels and a willingness to push on whenever possible.
Rollers then won a set piece outside the box and Sikele became the hero of the day when he expertly converted. The ball was slotted on the top left corner and there was nothing Mokibe could do. After conceding the penalty that saw Magosi take the lead, new signing Modiredi Matengu was having an awful game at the back and Obuile ‘Oscar’ Ncenga replaced him on the hour mark. In an effort to increase goals, Rollers replaced Jerome Louis with Finnigan.
With less than 10 minutes into the game, Finnigan was red carded after a confrontation with the assistant referee. Magosi took advantage and they came with guns blazing, but Rollers were able to hold on until the end. The 3-2 win made sure that Rollers ramped up their pre-season preparations with a win against their bitter rivals. In a post match interview, the losing coach Mike Sithole told Monitor Sport that the main aim was to expose all the players since it was a pre-season tournament.
“We want to work on the fitness before the league starts, we want to see where the players are lacking,” he said. Sithole said the technical team has identified a weakness and they would work on it before the league starts. He indicated that they were impressed with the new players and were certain that they could deliver.
Rollers head coach, Mark Harrison said he wanted to learn about the players more.
“It was my first opportunity (to see) all my players in combat against two strong teams,” he said. Harrison said he also wanted to see the standard of Botswana football.
“It’s been a big learning opportunity and it was worthwhile,” he said. Harrison highlighted that all the players showed him what they can and cannot do.
Line-ups
Chiefs: Edwin Mokibe, Mpho Kgaswane, Kaelo Kgaswane , Keabetswe Jenamiso , Charles Mutero , Lesego Galenamotlhale , Pontsho Moloi , Jackie Mothathego , Kekaetswe Moloi (Patrick Kaunda), Tendai Nyumasi , Lemponye Tshireletso.
Rollers: Noah Maposa, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Simisani Mathumo, Modiredi Matengu (Obulie Ncenga), Kaone Vanderwesthizen, Lawrence Majawa, Tapiwa Gadibolae (Mano Ditshupo), Motsholetsi Sikele, Letumile Molebatsi, Kobamelo Kebaikanye, Jerome Louis (Carl Finnigan), Gofaone Tiro.
Rollers 3 (Sikele X3)
Chiefs 2 (Kgaswane, Moloi)