Rollers claim Matebele's scalp

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday October 25, 2010 00:00

 

The win means Mapalastina have stretched their unbeaten run to nine games with 25 points.

As things stand, Rollers are on course to defend the title they won last season. It was again the brilliant performance of skipper Joel '16' Mogorosi which saw off Matebele.

Mogorosi scored two headers in the 49th and 72nd minutes before Lawrence 'Tico' Majawa put the game beyond the reach of BDF XI in the 84th minute.

Majawa hammered home a 40m volley which sailed into the roof of the net giving young goalkeeper Basimanebotlhe Moilwa no chance.

The goal will remain in the memory of the hardworking Malawian midfielder for a long time. On the night, BDF XI defence which is usually rock-solid was in tatters and had no answers for Rollers' forays.

Even the evergreen Mompati 'Apache' Thuma was out of sorts. Ahead of the game, there were reports that some of the senior players at BDF XI were planning a revolt because they were not happy with coach Sikalame Keatlholetswe.

Rollers' coach Wesley Mondo told Sport Monitor he was happy to have collected maximum points. He pointed out that BDF XI gave his side a tough game.

He said they are a target because they are the defending champions.

'I have to address the lapse in concentration which led to the goals we conceded. The goalkeeper (Kabelo Dambe) should have done better if he did not remain on the goal line,' said Mondo. The Zambian tactician stated that their unbeaten record has put pressure on his charges. He said that ahead of each game, he has to psyche up the players. On Saturday, Rollers make the long trip to Selebi-Phikwe to take on newly promoted Miscellaneous. BDF XI coach, Keatlholetswe, conceded that his  boys had no answers for the Rollers' juggernaut.

'We lost the game in the midfield because my boys could not contain Rollers. We were always late in closing them down and I believe I should have brought in Malaisa (Kabo Rasuping) earlier on because he gave us shape. In all honesty, Rollers were stronger and deserved the victory,' he owned up.

The outspoken coach denied that his players are planning a revolt. Matebele have a tricky assignment when they face Mochudi Centre Chiefs on Sunday in Molepolole.

Team line-ups;

Rollers: Dambe, Simisani Mathumo, Edwin Olerile, Oscar Ncenga, Kgomari Mothuba, Majawa, Mogorosi, Amos Godirwang (Musonda Mweuku 46), Sekhana Koko (Thando Moreki 83), Onalethata Tshekiso (Phenyo Molefhe 90+3), Powell Abednico.

BDF XI: Moilwa, Gaopatwe Seosenyeng, Ontlantshekela Mooketsi, Seboloko Khutsafalo, Thuma, Mogami Makwatse, Molatedi Mabina, Kabo Siane (Rasuping 57), Kwape (Lephojane 90+1), Lemponye Tshireletso (Mokgathi Mokgathi 61), Thatayaone Marumola.

Man of the match: Joel Mogorosi

Cautions: Siane 43, Rasuping 63, Abednico 64, Mokgathi 70, Dambe 90+4.

Referee: Kutlwano Leso

Ass Referees: Moletlanyi Keoagile and Gabolekwe Gabokwale

Fourth Official: Tirelo Mositwane

Match Rating: 7/10