Rollers pass key test to spark title hopes

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday October 27, 2015 13:17

The thrill of victory: Rollers fans celebrating their victory over arch, Mochudi Center Chief which left their team in pole position. PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

While critics saw it as reckless spending, Township Rollers viewed it as creating unmatched depth. Rollers coach, Mark Harrison made it clear he wanted at least two quality players for each position as he began to put together a squad capable of delivering domestic titles as well as competing effectively on the continent.

He had the unenviable task of re-arranging haphazard pieces of the jigsaw puzzle after a disappointing last season. The Rollers family had seen their team meekly surrender the title to Mochudi Centre Chiefs, before capitulating in last season’s final of the Mascom Top 8. They needed a smart response. First they agreed to ship out coach, Madinda Ndlovu. Englishman, Harrison drove through the gates of CA Sales to pen a one-year performance based contract.

Then the spending frenzy brought in, among others, reputed Zebras stars, Joel Mogorosi, Kabelo Dambe and Mogogi Gabonamong, all returning from largely successful stints in South Africa.

The results have been outstanding as Rollers remain unbeaten in 12 outings and fans have been quickly thrust into dreamland. And they can be forgiven.

Most felt, besides the opening day encounter which saw Popa dismiss BDF XI 4-1, Rollers had not been sufficiently tested.

However, the last four days proved why Rollers would be forgiven for walking into the nearest shop to buy champagne, put on ice for that glorious moment at the end of the season.

Rollers took on Gunners on Wednesday and as expected, were severely stretched but while emerging battered and bruised, the three points were intact. Chiefs posed the biggest threat when the two teams emerged from the National Stadium dug-out on Sunday, but after a bruising five goal thriller, Rollers emerged with the largest chunk from the loot.

Second-placed BDF XI’s surprise loss to Miscellaneous made Popa’s weekend more sweeter as they have opened up a four point gap, which might ultimately prove crucial at the end of the season. However, while Rollers look ominous, they would need to look no further than last season when they were cruising in January only to stage a dramatic late collapse to hand the title to Chiefs.

While it was joy for Rollers, at the bottom Motlakase continued to sing the blues after a morale sapping 5-0 loss to a resurgent Gilport Lions buoyed by a P6 million sponsorship. Gaborone United’s wretched run came to a halt with a 2-1 victory of Jwaneng Galaxy while Extension Gunners’ woes deepened in the mining town of Selebi-Phikwe with a crushing 3-0 loss to a bouncing Nico United.

Nico’s cross town rivals, Satmos were left searching for a second win of the campaign after they led against BR Highlanders but eventually settled for a 2-2 draw.

Orapa United’s flourishing season touched new levels with a 1-0 win away at Sankoyo Bush Bucks as Ndlovu’s charges stayed within touching distance of leaders, Rollers. Police XI are fizzling after a brisk start which saw them lead the log at some point, but are now sixth after a 2-1 loss to Green Lovers.