Rollers rout Chiefs to wrap title
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday August 12, 2016 14:41
Although they had said they have only 11 players ahead of the game, Chiefs managed to raise the adequate number of players including the substitutes.
Lesego Molemogi whose contract had elapsed started in the middle together with Arnold Mampori and Jackie Mothatego. Mpho Kgaswane who was not available in the aborted match in Francistown also made a return to the line up although they missed captain, Lesego Galenamotlhale who is still nursing an injury. Rollers on the other hand brought their usual team with only Oscar Ncenga as the surprise inclusion in the first line up ahead of Mogogi Gabonamong. Chiefs had an upper hand early in the game with both Thatayaone Ramatlapeng and Ronaldo Fortune giving Rollers defence a headache. Fortune in particular tested Kabelo Dambe twice from long range within the first 10 minutes of the game.
However, Rollers soon came into the game and nearly took the lead in the ninth minute when Terrence Mandaza tested Chiefs goalkeeper, Edwin Mokibe with a powerful header. Mokibe however was equal to the task as he parried the ball away. However, Mandaza gave Rollers the lead in the 25th minute with another powerful header which this time around beat Mokibe. The Zimbabwean striker completed his brace with just two minutes remaining with a cool finish from Joel Mogorosi’s cross.
His two goals separated the two side at half time. In the second half Chiefs pushed numbers forward in search of a goal. But they could not break the resilient Rollers defence. Molefe who had a relatively good game in the first half was replaced by Kopano Kgamanyane. However, it was Rollers who increased the lead when Tshepo Motlhabankwe delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Mpho Kgaswane tried to clear but hit his own net. Segolame Boy increased the lead moments later before Simisane Mathumo scored the fifth with a header. Chiefs consolation goal came through Ncenga who beat his own goalkeeper trying to clear the lines.
Rollers’ win closes a torturous chapter and now, even the pending decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is irrelevant.
Rollers coach, Mark Harrison said he was happy with his charges’ performance although he felt they could have scored more. “We controlled the whole game and by the time we scored the first goal I think we should have been 2-0 up. We conceded a silly goal in the end,” he said. Chiefs’ caretaker coach, Innocent Morapedi said fitness level was the main reason they lost the match. He said despite losing, they came into the game to compete and not just honour the fixture like many people thought.