Rollers� once promising season takes wrong turn
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday February 28, 2017 16:53
They looked destined to progress to the next stage of the CAF Champions League after fighting all the way to get an away goal in Madagascar against CNaPS. However, they crashed out through an away goal rule after letting in two goals at home against the unfancied side.
This past Saturday, they were trailing 2-0 against Orapa United as they headed into the second leg of the Mascom Top 8. Although they had a mountain to climb having failed to get an away goal in Francistown last month, a different Rollers, as expected by its supporters failed to show up. Instead Orapa United took the initiative and drew first blood, making it very difficult for Rollers to come back. Midfielder, Tendai Nyumasi’s well-taken curler meant Rollers needed to score four goals under 75 minutes if they were to make their fifth appearance at the final of the competition.
Questions have been raised about Rollers’ current squad since the beginning of the season. Mark Harrison was criticised after some poor results over his rotation policy.
He also received a bashing from the supporters after his change of formation in which he used three defenders. The result was a 3-2 loss to their arch rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs. His continued picking of speedy winger, Joel Mogorosi in the starting line up also saw him rub some sections of supporters the wrong way.
His departure in January saw Teenage Mpote appointed to take over until the end of the season. Mpote’s first assignment was a titanic clash against Orapa United where he passed with flying colours. He beat them 4-1 and immediately won the hearts of some Rollers’ faithful.
Things have since taken a twist with many questioning his selection policy as well as his approach to matches. Against Orapa United on Sunday, Mpote left behind captain, Maano Ditshupo and opted for offensive midfielders. Ditshupo was finally introduced in the middle of the first half with Orapa totally dominating the midfield. At the back, Rollers have changed the line up in almost every two games they played.
Mosha Gaolaolwe has switched between left back and central defence while Mogogi Gabonamong is in and out of the starting line up. Up front, Terrence Mandaza who is the current leading goalscorer in the league has also been in and out of the first 11. Kekaetswe Moloi has been given a run in some games while he had to make way for Senegalese striker, Pape Ndaw.
While many are attributing Sunday’s loss to the selection of the team on the day, Mpote has said his players are to blame for the result. He said his players did not show commitment he expected especially as they were trailing 2-0 going into the second leg. With two competitions now out of their reach, Rollers have only the league to save their season.
However, Mpote said all is not lost. “We spoke to the players this morning and told them we still have something to play for this season. We take on GU this Wednesday and I have to make sure that all my players are in the right spirit,” he said yesterday.
Mpote also said people should understand that preparations for different matches cannot be the same. He said even the selection of players will be influenced by the circumstances and the game. Rollers are second on the log, one point behind Jwaneng Galaxy with a game in hand.