Harrison declares Rollers champions
| Tuesday May 3, 2016 14:39
But after Sekhana Koko’s solitary strike won Rollers the game, coach Mark Harrison declared his team champions, despite the title’s destiny hinging on pending boardroom decisions.
Despite the cloud surrounding the team, Rollers started well and created several chances. Segolame Boy and Joel Mogorosi missed early opportunities while Kabelo Dambe was largely untested.
Lovers’ opportunity came in the 35th minute, but captain Rentse Keakabetse failed to convert which saw the teams head into the half time break deadlocked.
The hosts came improved from the break and could have found the opener in the 58th minute, but Kudakwashe Manuwere could not apply the vital finish.
Rollers mentor, Harrison withdrew Mogorosi for Gofaone Tiro while veteran Koko replaced Boy. Jerome Ramatlhakwana made way for Terrence Mandaza as Rollers chased the opening goal. The changes paid dividends as Koko met Galabgwe Moyana’s cross to win the game in the 70th minute.
Lovers coach, Onthusitse Kootswele tried to make changes but it proved futile as Rollers walked away victorious. Kootswele complained that the boys were not going forward as instructed in the first half.
“We expected them to attack in numbers but they were only two. It seems like they didn’t get the message well. There is still too much worshipping of big teams. The boys respect them too much hence silly mistakes.
However, it was a tough game and a tough team to play against, the boys did their best,” Kootswele said:
Harrison, who celebrated wildly at the end of the match, said they are the champions and dismissed protests over Ofentse Nato’s eligibility as rubbish.
He said. “We won the league and we are the champion. That’s what mattered to us today, to get three points. We knew this was going to be a tough game but the boys played well. We have ignored everything that is being said about our club because it’s rubbish. Nato was registered the same way he was registered at GU last season.”
Lovers: Kemmonye Nyangane, Mbaakanyi Mafhika, Lazarus Pekenene, Ignatious Ramasala, Kudakwashe Manuwere, Pako Botshelo, Tomeletso Tomeletso, Tumo Keiketlile (Kealeboga Dipogiso), Rentse Keakabetse, Kabo Ikaneng (Rebaone Modisaotsile), Mathews Moruti (Maitiso Gosalamang).
Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Tshepho Motlhabankwe, Simisani Mathumo, Obuile Ncenga, Kaone Vanderwesthuizen, Segolame Boy (Sekhana Koko), Maano Ditshupo, Lawrence Majawa, Galabgwe Moyana, Jerome Ramatlhakwana (Terrence Mandaza), Joel Mogorosi (Gofaone Tiro).
Green Lovers: (0)
Township Rollers: (0)1 (Koko70th)