Rollers get back on track

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday December 13, 2010 00:00

 

Log leaders Township Rollers brought their Premier League title ambitions back on track with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Uniao Flamengo Santos at the UB Stadium on Saturday.

The game started at a high tempo with Rollers dominating play from the onset and keeping Santos' goalkeeper Chengerai Dube busy.

The Rollers' faithful could not believe their eyes when referee Tebogo Ramocha denied them what looked like a legitimate goal when Dube failed to handle a low shot which bounced off a defender into the net. Otherwise, the goalkeeper made several saves to deny Rollers. Santos, on the other side, did not show any prowess in attack as Kabelo Dambe was barely tested in the opening half. The Santos' attack, boosted by the return of Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele, failed to make any threatening moves towards the Rollers' goal. The score was 0-0 at halftime.

After the break, Rollers' coach, Wesley Mondo introduced Kaone Molefhe for youngster Kobamelo Kebaikanye.

Finally, Rollers broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through a penalty by captain Joel Mogorosi. The goal came when their impatient fans were already starting to get worried that their side was heading for yet another draw or worse, a loss. Ramocha pointed to the spot for what appeared to be a clean tackle on Thando Moreki inside the box and Mogorosi sent Dube the wrong way to make it 1-0. After the goal, play kept on switching from end to end with Santos trying to level matters but their attacks bore no fruit.

Zambian striker Mweuku Musonda struck in injury time with a blockbuster from inside the box to make the match safe for Rollers.

The game marked the end of the first round of the league and the two sides will meet again next weekend as the second round starts.

Team line-ups:Rollers: Kabelo Dambe-Simisane Mathumo, Oscar Ncenga, Edwin Olerile, Lawrence Majawa, Amos Godirwang, Powell Abednico, Mogorosi, Moreki ( Botshelo Lerato 90+2), Kebaikanye (Molefhe 61)-Musonda.

Santos: Dube-Sekgabo Molebatsi, Letsweletse Seane, Onkemetse Kwantle, Mosimanegape Pelaelo- Bakang Moeng (Thato Bolweleng), Jackie Mothatego, Boitshoko Zikhale- Ngele (Faith Keletso 81), Thapelo SethebetheMan of the match: Powell Abednico

Referee: Tebogo Ramocha1st assistant: Elijah Masitha2nd assistant: Bakwena Simankalele4th official: Tshepho GobagobaMatch rating: 8/10