Rollers Too Strong For BDF XI
Spira Tlhankane | Monday August 10, 2015 18:00
Kabelo Dambe was making a return to Botswana’s top-flight league after a three-year absence while Mogogi Gabonamong was also returning to the beMOBILE Premiership since leaving for PSL in 2006.
The game started on a high with Rollers looking dangerous going forward. This paid off as Popa took lead within 15 minutes through Lawrence Majawa’s well-taken header. The goal invited retaliation from BDF XI and they started gaining more possession with the aim to frustrate the hosts.
Rollers defence was too strong to be cracked and Gabonamong was playing on the centre back position alongside Leutlwetse Tshireletso. On the half-hour mark, Rollers could have increased their lead but Kobamelo Kebaikanye failed to finish off Maano Ditshupo’s long cross on the left side.
Rollers were now feeling the pressure as Matebele were coming onto them with everything they had. BDF VI failed to equalise right before half time when his shot went over Dambe’s goal posts.
The game went to the break with Mapalastina still holding onto their 1-0 lead. The homeside’s lead lasted only 11 minutes and the visitors were soon level through Malebogo Ntebogang who equalised from close range after Dambe failed to hold Moshe Gaolaolwe’s shot. Dambe was conceding his first goal since returning to the Rollers colours.
Rollers almost regained their lead 10 minutes later, but Boy’s free kick came through a crowded penalty area and found the saving hands of Ontiretse Gaotlhobogwe.
BDF couldn’t hold on anymore and Rollers regained their lead through Jerome Ramatlhakwane’s rebound shot. He put it on the far left corner and there was nothing the keeper could have done about it.
The goal inspired confidence and Rollers were now dictating the game. BDF however did not sit back, but they tried to bring play to their opponents but Dambe’s double save on the 70th minute ensured that the score line remained the same. Four minutes later, Rollers put the game beyond their opponents’ reach when Boy easily tapped in a well delivered cross from substitute Gofaone Tiro. Boy completed his brace after receiving a wonderful cross from another substitute Galabgwe Moyana. He easily controlled the ball inside the box and slotted it far beyond Gaotlhobogwe’s reach.
In a post-match interview, Harrison said the game was never going to be easy because it was their first game of the campaign. “Every team wants to start on a positive note, we were playing BDF XI who came fourth on the league last season so they made life difficult for us,” he said. Harrison said he wasn’t happy with the players’ performance because it was below par. He however said it was a great start because they managed to get all the three points.
For his part, BDF XI assistant Coach Loui Setshwane said he couldn’t crucify his players because the game was tough. “We didn’t expect to lose 4-1 in the first game, but we have seen our mistakes and we will work on them,” he said.
Lineups
Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Leutlwetse Tshireletso, Mogogi Gabonamong, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Thato Bolweleng, Segolame Boy, Lawrence Majawa, Maano Ditshupo, Kobamelo Kebaikanye (Gofaone Tiro), Motsholetsi Sikele (Galabgwe Moyana), Jerome Ramatlhakwane.
BDF XI: Ontiretse Gaotlhobogwe, Koziba Tlhabano, Onthusitse Mpharitlhe, Kealegetse Mogomotsi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Bonolo Phuduhudu, Keeagile Kobe, Ofentse Mmipi, Obone Marope, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Malebogo Ntebogang.