Nico Hold High Flying Rollers
Tapela Morapedi | Monday May 15, 2017 15:22
Despite failing to create scoring opportunities, Majombolo superbly defended and countered the numerous chances that the troublesome visitors created.
The point was enough for Rollers to replace Jwaneng Galaxy at the top on goal difference, while Nico remained 14th with 26 points.
Terrance Mandaza found the back of the net with a chip in the 28th minute, but Joshua Bondo ruled him offside.
Popa looked threatening from that moment until the last whistle creating many scoring opportunities albeit with low tempo. The lack of speed and power with their scoring opportunities made it easier for captain Mpoeleng Mpoeleng’s led defence to thwart the log leaders. Nico’s goalkeeper, Otsile ‘Tshetlha’ Ben was also surefooted on the day, denying the defending champions any chance to find the back of his net. The title race is headed for an exciting finish with Rollers in Serowe to face Green Lovers tomorrow while Galaxy face a tough test against fellow diamond miners Orapa United away.
In his post-match interview, Rollers coach, Teenage Mpote congratulated Nico for putting up a gallant fight. He said his team did everything right, but needed lady luck to benefit from their many chances. About the title race, Mpote said he is not worried about Galaxy.
“I am not worried about Jwaneng Galaxy. Let them do what they do and we will do our bit,” Mpote said. Nico coach, Peter Muchina acknowledged that despite holding down Rollers to a goalless draw, they failed to create scoring chances of their own.
“We did not manage to create chances as we would have wanted, but we will have to move on,” he said. However, it is the game they lost against Gaborone United (GU) that Muchina regrets.
The coach believes that had they won the GU encounter, Nico will be in a safe position. “We are hopeful to make it. We had chances in our game against GU where we lost the game in the last minute,’’ said Muchina who looks to a change of fortunes against Gilport Lions on Wednesday.
Nico face fellow relegation candidates Sankoyo Bush Bucks, Gilport Lions and relegated Mahapye United Hotspurs in their remaining fixtures, which Muchina said are a must win.
The Teams
Nico United: Otsile ‘Tshetlha’ Ben, Lucas Mothata, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Bokamoso Mbambo, Lovemore Bogatsu, Mogopodi Seithamo, Ishmael Netty, Ronald Ngwako Ramokgathadi, Baboloki Tathego (Vincent Marumo), Godknows Mutina, Thabo Mosielele.
Township Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Edwin Olerile, Simisani Mathumo, Kaone van der Westhuizen, Lawrence Majawa, Motsholetsi Sikele, Maano Ditshupo, Terrence Mandaza (Kekaetswe Moloi), Segolame Boy (Lemponye Tshireletso), Joel Mogorosi.
Nico United 0
Township Rollers 0