Rollers Survive Late Gunners Scare

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday September 2, 2019 12:01

Three second-half goals by Motsholetsi Sikele, Simisani Mathumo and Thabo Mosielele’s own goal were enough to give Popa three points in the season opener.

The match started on a high tempo with both teams trying to get an early goal.

However, the pace slowed down as the match progressed with no team creating any clear chance.

Midfielders, Dirang Moloi and Mothusi Cooper created an interesting battle in the midfield, and were both booked in the first half.  Cooper was first to get into the referee’s book after a lunging tackle on Moloi, who later earned his after elbowing the former.

The first chance of the match came in the 21st minute, after Galabgwe Moyana delivered a beautiful cutback into the box.

The ball fell on the path of Kamohelo Matsabu, who shot over the bar.

Rollers, who were enjoying a larger share of the ball possession, missed another chance in the 35th minute when Tumisang Orebonye found himself unmarked at the far post, but headed wide. The teams went for recess goalless.

When the second half resumed, Rollers took off playmaker Segolame Boy and replaced him with Kago Monyake.  The change had an immediate impact as Rollers started controlling the midfield and were rewarded when Sikele scored the opener after finding space on the blind side.

Rollers were cruising and added two quick goals to make it 3-0. Then Gunners coach, Stanley Mwanga made a tactical change by switching to a 4-4-2 formation with Moloi now a striker.

The switch paid off, as his team was able to create a few chances.Obonye Moswate and Tshepo Borake scored two beautiful goals for Gunners to create an exciting finish to the match.

After the match, Rollers coach, Tomas Trucha said he was a little disappointed with the way they finished the game.

“It was a game of emotions. The first 15 minutes were not good but after the second half we improved.

We pushed, we created chances and I think we were excellent and scored the goals. It is a mixture of feelings, we won but it is not the way we want to win,” said Trucha.

Gunners coach, Mwanga said he was happy with how his players fought back despite losing the match. He said the team took time to gel, but with time they will find their rhythm.

“We have a completely new team. I am also new, so we are still trying to find combinations. We will get better after three games,” he said.

The teams:

Gunners: Neo Kenalemang, Olekantse Mambo, Mosielele, Percy Molapisi, Moswate,  Moloi, Sthembiso Hlophe, Borake, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Boipelo Oaitse

Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Matsabu, Ofentse Nato, Mathumo, Galabgwe Moyana, Maano Ditshupo, Cooper, Edwin Molaosi, Orebonye, Sikele,  Boy (Monyake).

Rollers: 3

Sikele 50, Mosielele 65(og), Mathumo 69

Gunners: 2

Moswate 80, Borake 85