Rollers Keep Double Dream Alive
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 20, 2019 12:34
‘Popa’ are now on course for a season’s double, after wrapping up the league title a fortnight ago.
Rollers enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but could not break the opposition defence. Against the run of play, it was BDF who had the first shot at goal.
In the 14th minute, Othusitse Mpharitlhe put in a teasing cross for Rashid Mandawa, but his headed effort went straight at the keeper.
Five minutes later, Galabgwe Moyana tried Tumiso Mashakola with a fine shot but the keeper calmly saved. Lemponye Tshireletso shot from distance in the 22nd minute, but his effort went wide before Joel Mogorosi’s headed attempt was saved by the keeper as
Rollers continued searching for the opener.
Just before the break, Mogorosi came with yet another header but Mashakola came out tops as the teams went to the break level at 0-0.
Just seven minutes into the second half, Tumisang Orebonye missed the goal with a header inside the box.
Mashakola was called into action once again to deal with Moyana and Mogorosi’s long range efforts in the 59th minute.
‘Popa’ eventually opened the scores with Ofentse Nato heading home a corner kick in the 65th minute.
Seven minutes later, Mogorosi doubled his side’s lead with a tap in to seal BDF XI fate.
Rollers dominated the match as BDF XI introduced Lovemore Bogatsu and Gobe Maphane for Abi Ramodiane and Moatlhodi Ralesotla in an attempt to salvage something from the game, but ‘Popa’ held on to advance to the final.
“We played well. In terms of our concept we executed that very well. I think our pace dropped in the second hence they took control of the midfield.
I think that’s where they won the game but we did well,” BDF XI coach, Nelson Setshwane said after the game.
His counterpart, Rollers’ Rodolfo Zapata lauded his troops for a ‘job well done’ and was excited for the final where he faces Orapa United.
The Teams
Rollers: Keeagile Kgosipula, Motsholetsi Sikele, Nato, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Mothusi Cooper, Tshireletso, Orebonye, Boy (Monyake), Moyana, Mogorosi
BDF: Mashakola, Onkgolotse Tsimako, Mpharitlhe, Onkabetse Seforo, Kennedy Taukobong, Bobby Motlhabankwe, Pelontle Lerole, Mandawa, Phenyo Serameng, Ralesotla (Maphane), Abi Ramodiane ( Bogatsu)