Mysterious liquid floors Rollers' players

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 31, 2010 00:00

Rollers manager, Motshegetsi Mafa told Mmegi Sport yesterday that they suspect a certain club (not Gunners) is responsible for the half-time incident.

He said their players were fine until they returned to the dressing room at half-time to find a liquid poured on the door lock and near the entrance.

Some of the players affected by the liquid are Joel Mogorosi, Amos Godirwang, Simesane Mathumo and Onalethata Tshekiso. 'Joel (Mogorosi) was the one who was most affected because he entered the dressing room first.

The substance was so strong that within a minute, the players were vomiting,' Mafa said. He added that they reported the matter to the Premier League Committee (PLC). He said the Botswana Premier League general secretary, Phuthego Setete witnessed the incident.

Mafa said they called one Gunners' official to ascertain if the Lobatse team might have a hand in the incident. The official said they were approached by one club to assist them overcome Rollers but they declined the offer.  Mafa added that a security official who was questioned by Rollers confirmed seeing officials from the club in question around the dressing rooms. He said the PLC is handling the issue. By yesterday, some Rollers' were still complaining of dizziness. Efforts to get a reaction from Setete proved futile as he did not answer his mobile phone.

Meanwhile traditional rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Gaborone United (GU) and Rollers, chalked their second straight victories in the weekend's be MOBILE Premier League action. Former champions, ECCO City Greens is the only other side with a 100 percent record.  Chiefs, GU and Rollers have emerged as the early favourites for the title with ECCO as the dark horses. The quartet has shared the Premier League crown among themselves in the last four seasons.

ECCO won their first title in the 2006-2007 with Chiefs getting their inaugural win the following season. GU became the first beneficiaries of the P1 million top prize after be MOBILE became the new sponsors in the 2008-2009. Their city rivals, Rollers, are the current champions.

After hammering Uniao Flamengo Santos 4-0 in their first game, Chiefs went on to capitalise on new arrivals, Black Peril's nervousness to win 8-1 last Friday. Following a lengthy absence on the sidelines, Mara Moloi and Moemedi Moatlhaping seem to have found their touch under new coach, Rahman Gumbo.  Their return has turned Magosi into a force akin to the all-conquering side that won the league unbeaten three seasons ago. The victory against Black Peril left Chiefs perched at the top with a healthy goal difference of 11. ECCO are second after beating Notwane 2-1 while GU occupy third spot following their 2-0 victory against TASC. Rollers are fourth after beating Extension Gunners 2-0.

Despite the two victories, Rollers still look fragile at the back and wasteful upfront with Musonda Mweuku particularly disappointing.   Extension Gunners and Santos are struggling early in the season. With two key players, Mogakolodi Ngele and Thato Bolweleng suspended, it looks like Santos have not found their footing and last weekend, BDF XI piled on their misery with a 2-1 win. It remains to be seen whether Santos would try to make peace with the two players.

The suspensions means the club is without four of their key men after striker, Farasai Nyamunamwendo and Bushi Moletsane moved to Police XI. Gunners on the other hand have been struggling to find the back of the net. After Rollers last weekend, they are meeting Chiefs in a game that is expected to draw attention especially from Gunners' faithful who might be starting to press panic buttons.

In other matches, BMC and Nico United played to a 1-1 draw while Miscellaneous and Police XI failed to score in a 0-0 deadlock. Motlakase drew 1-1 with TAFIC.