Township Rollers crowned champions

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday May 3, 2010 00:00

 

The crowning came after Rollers were confirmed champions last Thursday after beating Notwane 2-0 at the UB stadium but were not given the trophy due to some logistical issues still to be cleared.

Rollers' coach Rahman Gumbo started yesterday's game with a strong line up of regulars showing he has got no intentions of slowing down the team's good form by fielding bench-warmers as many people would have thought.

Former Extension Gunners' midfielder Powell Abednico was the only player who was given a rare start in the middle of the park where he performed well. The lukewarm encounter saw Popa approach the game very casually, not showing the normal predator instincts they usually display at the beginning of every game.

They however tried a few shots at scoring which kept TAFIC goalkeeper Aaron Molebatsi a busy man in the opening minutes. Rollers were the first to find the back of the net at the 34th minute through the header by captain Mogorosi. Talisman Mandaza could not believe it when his goal was ruled offside in the dying minutes of the first half. The Zimbabwean striker currently leads the goalscorer's pack with 31 goals and he looks certain to clinch the green boot award. TAFIC coach Paul Moyo made some changes in the second half bringing in Marvin Kaelo for Uyapo Seleka. The diminutive Kaelo slightly changed the completion of the game as he started terrorising Popa at the right flank with speed and delivering telling crosses into the box, pushing his side for an equaliser.

The visitors got their equaliser in the final minutes of the second half when Simbarashe Manwere converted from the penalty spot after Osenyeng Tsenang was brought down in the box.

Rollers kept pushing for another goal which they were denied by excellent goalkeeping from Molebatsi who was simultaneously tested by Mandaza with a powerful overhead kick and Thandwa Moreki's thunderbolt from close range.  It was all smiles and cheering when the referee blew the final whistle to send the multitudes of Rollers' fans into rapture as they celebrated their first cup in five years. It was yet another disappointment for the Premier League organising committee as they failed dismally to arrange enough security as fans thronged the pitch to celebrate with the players. Security at the Molepolole Sports Complex was brought into question last year when Gaborone United were crowned the champions. Fans were all over the field bringing chaos into the celebrations. One would have thought the PLC had learnt something from last year's episode and beefed up security. Even the fireworks that were arranged to spice up the celebrations failed to ignite bringing in more doubts about the level of preparedness by the organisers.