Chiefs tumble as Rollers run riot

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Tuesday March 2, 2010 00:00

 

Chiefs' 4-3 loss in a thriller in Molepolole on Sunday means that Rollers are now five points clear at the top with 11 matches to go. As Chiefs were faltering, Rollers were ruthless against debutantes Motlakase. A brace from leading Green Boot contender, Terrence Mandaza, Joel Mogorosi and a goal each from Onalethata Tshekiso, Edwin Moalosi and Edwin Olerile saw Rollers make mince-meat of Motlakase.

Mandaza took his season tally to 21 and his input will be crucial as the season nears climax. Motlakase, who have been on a good run, were expected to put up a brave fight but surrendered meekly as Rollers pounded them into submission. It is a huge confidence dent to Madinda Ndlovu's charges, who recorded their heaviest defeat of the season. On the other hand, Rahman Gumbo's Rollers will be buoyed by their  biggest win in this campaign.

Although Rollers widened the gap to five points, there is a lot to play for as Chiefs are still in the hunt, though their confidence must have taken a battering with the ECCO defeat. The Francistown side raced to a 3-0 lead before the break with fingers pointing at former Rollers' goalkeeper, Barolong 'Toldo' Lemmenyane for letting in soft goals. However, a jittery ECCO almost let Chiefs steal an underserved point as they struggled in the second half. Chiefs reduced the margin to 3-2 before ECCO fired in a decisive fourth. But there was still time for Chiefs to find a third and ensure an anxious finish.

After suffering their first defeat of the season, it would be crucial to see how the Kgatleng giants re-group. Third placed, Extension Gunners kept within striking distance of the leading duo with a 3-1 thumping of fading Notwane.

But Gunners' will find it difficult to overturn Rollers' nine-point advantage.  ECCO's win saw them jump to fifth spot with the same number of points as Uniao Flamengo Santos who played Costa Do Sol in the CAF Confederations Cup on Saturday.

Troubled Boteti Young Fighters handed BMC coach, Mike Sithole his second win as they went down 1-0 in Orapa. There was reprieve for Nico United who registered their first win of the year after defeating Killer Giants 2-1 on Saturday. The Selebi-Phikwe side moves back to eighth, replacing Motlakase. The Palapye side dropped to ninth after the Rollers' humiliation.

Both Killer Giants and Boteti are now in deep trouble as they are tied on 16 points just two ahead of 15th placed BMC. This weekend, Rollers face BDF XI while Chiefs play Notwane in crucial fixtures.