Zapata Pleads For More Time After Draw
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday January 21, 2019 12:37
The Argentine was appointed Rollers’ head coach in September, but had to endure a frustrating spell on the sidelines owing to issues with his work permit and a clearance from his former side, Gaborone United.
On Friday after overseeing his side give away the lead and hold on to a frustrating draw, Zapata pleaded for patience from the Rollers’ faithful.
“It isn’t a good start at all. I am here to win, everyone wants to win, but I believe that if we play good, we are going to have more chances, but today we could only get a point.
I need time to work to get the team going. All the process was tough, I did not have the time to work,” he told journalists after the match.
Zapata made staggering five changes to a team that lost to Jwaneng Galaxy in the previous match with Mosha Gaolaolwe, Keeagile Kgosipula and Thatayaone Kgamanyane returning to the starting line up while Tumisang Orebonye started on the bench.
Just two minutes after kick off, Galabgwe Moyana whipped in a cross for Joel Mogorosi whose header went just wide off the post.
Three minutes later, Edwin Moalosi played a one-two with Segolame Boy but he was let down by his final effort as he shot wide. Popa took the lead after 13 minutes.
Michael Pepukani parried Lemponye Tshireletso’s shot unto Mogorosi’s path and the striker tapped into an empty net for his ninth attempt of the campaign.
Three minutes later, Sechaba had their first sight at goal but Thabiso Boti headed into the keeper’s hands.
Notwane continued to search for an equaliser and were rewarded five minutes to the break.
A miscommunication between Simisane Mathumo and Kgosipula gifted Sthembile Mbuqe a chance inside the box, and the on-form attacker tucked in his sixth goal of the season with ease.
In the 44th minute, Toronto caught their opponents on the break, but Lesego Lubinda hit the upright with the goalkeeper beaten while at the other end, Tshireletso shot straight into the keeper’s hands bringing a close to an entertaining first half.
The second half of the game did not live up to expectation with a few chances at both ends. In the 74th minute, substitute Tumisang Orebonye shot over the bar after finding himself in good space in front of goal. Four minutes later, Lubinda squandered yet another chance after being afforded so much space in front of the penalty area.
The two teams resorted to rather desperate attempts at goal as, like in the first round fixture, they settled for a draw.
“Our players took the instructions very well but we conceded a very silly goal.
Playing Rollers is like climbing a mountain, more so that they came into the game having lost their previous game.
We looked to defend the set pieces, as we know that they are strong in that area but we looked for spaces in between their defence. I think we did well,” Notwane’s assistant coach, Mike Mogaladi said after the game.
The Teams:
Rollers: Kgosipula, Maano Ditshupo, Mathumo, Gaolaolwe, Kgamanyane, Mothusi Cooper, Moalosi, Tshireletso, Moyana (Orebonye), Boy, Mogorosi
Notwane: Pepukani, Kereng Mpetang, Katlego Koobake, Thato Seagateng, Keolopile Molemi, Amos Godirwang, Lubinda (Topo Piet), Richard Legwaila (Ishmael Amponsah), Boti, Mbuqe, Tlhalefo Molebatsi
Cautions: Mathumo, Gaolaolwe, Moalosi
Rollers 1 (Mogorosi 13nd)
Notwane 1 (Mbuqe 40th)