Molefe's Strike Sinks BMC

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday March 22, 2010 00:00

 

With the clock ticking away and the score at 1-1, Rollers' coach Rahman Gumbo introduced Molefe in place of wasteful captain Joel '16' Mogorosi in the 77th minute.

Some supporters protested the switch but the coach seemed to know what he was doing. Hardly five minutes into the game, Molefe ran into a quick free-kick by Edwin Olerile and calmly slotted the ball past oncoming BMC goalkeeper Cosmos Lombala.

He might be an unknown in the Rollers' colours but Molefe's goal might prove crucial when the champagnes come out at the end of the season. Rollers' supporters erupted into wild celebrations, as they knew they had maximum points to keep their dreams of winning the league title alive.

The log leaders opened the scoring early in the game when Terrence Mandaza headed home a perfect cross from the left by Olerile after Lombala failed to deal with the ball. Rollers raided their opponents' half with ease but they could not score again. Rollers' exciting youngster Edwin Moalosi was unfortunate when his strike came off the upright in the 30th minute. At the break, the score was 1-0 in favour of Mapalastina.

BMC tried to come back into the game but did not threaten Rollers' defence with Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Owen Mwendabai playing far apart from each other. Both sides hardly kept possession and at some stage this frustrated the fans.

In the 76th minute, BMC got a life-line when referee Lekgotla Johannes awarded them a penalty. This was after Rollers' defender Simisani Mathumo brought down Thebe Maiketso in the box. The Under-20 defender had to go for an early shower, as it was his second bookable offence.

Kgetholetsile easily beat goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe for the equaliser. But their celebrations were shortlived as Rollers regained the lead minutes later.

It was not one of the best performances by Rollers but at the end of the day, they got a crucial victory. Rollers currently have 56 points from 22 games ahead of second placed Flamengo Santos who have 44.

Mochudi Centre Chiefs who have been occupying second spot are now sitting on the third with 42 points from 20 games. As things stand, Rollers will only have themselves to blame if they do not win the title.