Rollers' lead cut

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Tuesday January 19, 2010 00:00

 

Rollers went into the weekend with an eight-point lead over second placed Mochudi Centre Chiefs. The Kgatleng side dispatched Police XI 3-1 in Molepolole on Saturday, to heap pressure on Rollers as the lead was cut to just five points.

Rollers' fans were the majority in a near capacity crowd as their team rescued a point from the jaws of defeat.

The pacesetters were only six minutes away from their second defeat of the season when Edwin Olerile propped up with a winner to ensure a share of the spoils. It was GU who were quicker off the blocks, threatening to overrun their opponents in the opening stages.

New signing, Mpho Mabogo and Ronald Chikomo missed sitters, which could have turned the screws on Rollers.

However, the leaders recovered admirably, taking charge of the game although the exciting match was almost spoilt by flying tackles, which went unpunished.

GU were in front after 32nd minutes when Ofentse 'Size 10' Nato tapped in after a goal mouth melee. By then, GU should have been 2-0 up after Mabogo found himself through in the fifth minute but fluffed a glorious opportunity. Chikomo replayed the scenario in the ninth minute when he delayed to pull the trigger and was subsequently dispossessed amid appeals for a penalty.

Rollers' best move in the first half came from the right when Joel '16V' Mogorosi set on a driving run, eliminating two defenders in the process before powering an exquisite cross which was expertly met by Thapelo 'Pepe' Balepi. But the ball flew inches above with the Rollers' fans up on their feet anticipating a goal.

GU were to produce a replica move in the 72nd minute when captain Sageby Sandaka's inch perfect cross from the left found substitute, Steven Maposa's head. The beaded striker planted a glancing header towards the far corner but impressive Rollers' goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe produced a brilliant one handed save.

Olerile broke the hearts of the GU fans when he netted in the 39th minute after good work from the right by the league's leading goal scorer, Terrence Mandaza. The Zimbabwean showed some intricate dribbling skills and close ball control before setting up Olerile. Credit should also go to substitute, Onalethata 'OT' Tshekiso who dummied as the ball rolled towards Olerile and the striker cut inside before shooting past Raphael Nthwane in goals for GU.

'Booster' Magola was outstanding in the heart of the GU defence and was named man-of-the-match.

The game lived to its pre-match top billing and fans trooped out of the UB Stadium satisfied.

Maposa shone like a beacon when he was introduced in the second half and justified why GU fans were clamouring for his introduction. Nato was at his usual best  while DRC midfielder, Mamikina Mayunga also justified his inclusion. For Rollers, Mandaza, Dambe and Tshekiso starred.

Rollers face an uneasy week as Chiefs might reduce their lead to only three points if they win their outstanding game to Motlakase. The league takes a break this weekend, giving way to the Coca-Cola Cup.