Rollers' efficiency won the title

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday May 7, 2010 00:00

Rollers were crowned new be MOBILE Premier League champions last Thursday after defeating a battling Notwane 2-0 at the UB Stadium.

The display against Notwane was not one for the eye but as the champions have done all season, they got the result.

Rollers' play has largely been built on their attacking power led by the irrepressible Edwin Moalosi, Zimbabwean gunslinger Terrence Mandaza and pacey captain Joel Mogorosi.

The new champions suffered an inconsequential 1-0 defeat to Uniao Flamengo Santos early in the season. Once they snatched the reins from early pretenders, Nico United, the Rollers' juggernaut was unstoppable.

Driven by their passionate supporters, Rollers looked like champions even midday through the campaign.Rollers showed their tenacity in their drawn encounter against former champions, Mochudi Centre Chiefs last December. But Chiefs sent tremors in the Popa camp when they handed the leaders a 3-2 defeat in the reverse fixture in January.

Rollers were jolted and that result was followed by a morale sapping, comeback 1-1 draw against then defending champions, Gaborone United (GU).

This saw Chiefs reduce the gap to two points, but Rollers recovered remarkably from the two setbacks. Chiefs crumbled at a crucial time with their 4-3 loss to Santos giving Rollers the impetus.

At this stage Rollers were cruising and further Chiefs' poor run, which saw them being held to a 0-0 draw by Comets which saw the pacesetters increase the gap to 14 points.

A 7-0 drubbing of debutants, Motlakase, in Selebi-Phikwe was the pinnacle of a campaign that has for long periods promised loads of goals due to the team's attacking prowess.

It was then apparent that Rollers were literally running away with the title.

Santos, although they have been impressive throughout the season, were never seen as a threat to Rollers.Instead, Chiefs, who have fought tenaciously in the last two seasons, were seen as posing a serious threat.

But the black and white Kgatleng outfit collapsed like a pack of cards in the face of a Rollers' jack roller.Notwane posed as the sacrificial lamb when Rollers needed two points to wrap up an incredible season last Thursday.

While Toronto refused to lie down, Rollers' efficiency came to the fore as that man, Mandaza, who has tormented defenders all season, bagged a brace which settled the title race.

Coach, Rahman Gumbo has preferred to attack his opponents at high pace and has been aided by the presence of Mogorosi and Moalosi.

The diminutive Moalosi has been outstanding all season while in goals, Kabelo Dambe has been a calming influence.

This bodes well for Rollers' future as the two still have many playing years ahead of them.