Rollers End 2017 Unbeaten

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday December 18, 2017 15:42

 

Leteng Legopelo’s own goal in the 11th minute was enough to ensure that Rollers go into Christmas break without defeat this year.

Rollers welcomed back Edwin Moalosi who missed the last two matches due to injury. Striker, Jerome Ramatlhakwane however still missed through injury. Moalosi is Rollers’ best player this season and has cemented a place in the starting line up.

Rollers, however managed to register two victories in his absence. Gunners on the other hand handed Mothusi Cooper a starting berth. Cooper has been used mostly as a second half substitute and seems to be growing every game.

The match kicked off at a high pace despite the scorching heat and within five minutes, both sides had already tested the goalkeepers through Ofentse Mmipi and Segolame Boy for Gunners and Rollers respectively. Eleven minutes into the game, Rollers launched another attack with Simisane Mathumo finding himself in the Gunners area and delivered a telling  cross, but the Lobatse side cleared for a corner.

Boy delivered a curler and Gunners defender, Legopelo scored an own goal as he tried to make a clearance. Gunners’ plans were interrupted when Wadza Seleka was forced out through injury after 28 minutes and was replaced by Mmoloki Kebalepile.

Rollers midfielder, Ivan Ntege received his second yellow card and went to an early shower after a reckless tackle on Kebalepile. A minute later, Kgosipula makes a brilliant save to stop Mmipi’s shot. However, Rollers went into the haftime break leading by a solitary goal.

In the second half Gunners tried to pile pressure with Rollrrs down to 10 men but were let down by their poor decisions in Rollers’ area. Midway through the second half, Gunners introduced Thabo Metlhayotlhe for Kgetholetsile. Few moments after his introduction, Gunners nearly leveled matters but were denied once again by Kgosipula with Kebapile having taken a good shot. They kept piling pressure but were denied by a resolute Rollers at the back until the final whistle.

Rollers coach, Nikola Kavazovic said he was happy that they have managed to retain their lead at the top.  He said it is important that they keep the momentum when the league resumes in January.

Gunners coach, Itumeleng Duiker said that they tried all they could to come back, but just could not make it.

 

Gunners: 0

Rollers: 1 (Legopelo [own goal])

 

Teams:

Extension Gunners: Katlego Mbise, Katlego Mothobi, Desire Bafana, Leteng Legopelo, Michael Tinye, Mothusi Cooper, Ofentse Mmipi, Wahza Seleka (Mmoloki Kebalepile), Franscis Olaki, Kenanao Kgetholetsile (Thabo Metlhayotlhe), Mandla Mgadla (Thabiso Mabachi)

Rollers: Keagile Kgosipula, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Simisani Mathumo, Percy More, Edwin Olerile (Kaone van der Westhuizen), Ivan Ntege, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Maano Ditshupo, Segolame Boy, Lemponye Tshireletso (Thato Bolweleng), Edwin Moalosi (Gape Mohutsiwa)

Cautions: Ntege,Moalosi, Kgosipula

Dismissal; Ntege