Rollers overcome Mapantsula

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday August 30, 2010 00:00

 

Defending champions Township Rollers put up an improved performance as they overcame shorthanded Extension Gunners 2-0 in a Be MOBILE Premier League game played at the UB Stadium yesterday.

After struggling in their league opener against rookies Black Peril the previous weekend, Mapalastina came to the party showing their intentions early in the game. When the game looked destined for a goalless halftime, the unexpected happened. Rollers were awarded a controversial penalty by referee Kutlwano Leso after Gunners' defender Moses Pelaelo was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. Pelaelo was shown a straight red card by the referee, something that did not go down well with the Gunners' faithful. Mogorosi converted from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute.

Once again, referee Leso struggled to stamp his authority on the game.  After the interval, both sides came out of the change-rooms recharged but it was Rollers who looked more dangerous. As it has been the case in the opening fixture, lack of that killer instinct let Mapalastina down.

But in the 77th minute, Koko put matters beyond Gunners' reach when he capitalised on Gunners' sloppy defending. The presence of hard-working midfielder Lawrence Majawa brought stability to the defending champions. The Malawian midfielder missed their game against Black Peril due to family commitments.

It was perhaps the rare appearance of Mahommed Chawila with 11 minutes remaining, which excited thousands of Rollers' supporters most. The talented Chawila was forced to watch from the stands the whole of last season under coach Rahman Gumbo who has since joined rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Despite limited game time, the Somali showed some of his old touches that sent his fans wild.

Commenting on the game, Rollers' coach Wesley Mondo said he was impressed by his charges especially the defenders. 'We were better today in defence and credit has to go to Majawa for stabilising the team. All we need to do now is to work on the strike-force because we are missing a lot of chances,' said Mondo.  The tactician said that the international break gives him a chance to work on the finishing before taking on Nico United in Selebi-Phikwe on September 11. Gunners coach Daniel 'Chicco' Nare said that they struggled the whole afternoon. It was a disappointing performance for Mapantsula who were launching technical sponsor Dlala on the day. 'The turning point was that penalty which led to the opening goal. I fail to understand why Leso was allowed to take charge of a game of this magnitude because he is not fit,' said Nare. He further pointed out that they lacked firepower and the departure of Zambian striker Bernard Semakwezi to Nico United has created a void upfront. Former Gaborone United (GU) striker Tiroyamodimo 'TRX' Mohambi tried his best on the day but he could not penetrate the defence of hard-tackling Ndobani Mothuba and Oscar Ncenga.

This is how the two teams lined up: Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Simisani Mathumo, Edwin Olerile, Ncenga, Mothuba, Majawa, Amos Godirwang, Mogorosi (Powell Abednico 60), Onalethata Tshekiso (Chawila 79), Phenyo Molefhe (Musonda Mweuku 60), Koko. Coach: Wesley Mondo

Extension Gunners: Raphael Nthwane, Finki Mothibi, Monageng Thaele (Letlhogonolo Mosala 90), Lorato Mokalake, Moses Pelaelo, Maano Ditshupo, Kemmy Pilato, Ofentse Mmipi, Aubrey Sithole (Martin Mothongwane 45), Mohambi (Hendrick Moyo 90), Kenny Ramodisa. Coach: Daniel Nare

Man of the match: Lorato Mokalake

Cautions: Mothibi 26, Pilato 40, Mmipi 42, Mothongwane 57, Ncenga 66Dismissal: Pelaelo 42

Referee: LesoAsst referees: Moletlanyi Keoagile and Tshepo RahubeFourth official: Tebogo Ramocha