Rollers overcome stubborn BMC

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

 

Rollers have gathered 18 points from six matches. This Saturday, the champions face a major test when they meet title rivals, ECCO City Greens in a top of the table clash at the UB Stadium. Rollers and ECCO remain the only sides with unbeaten run from six games after the Francistown side beat Police XI 2-1 at home yesterday.

Against BMC, Rollers started the game at their usual high tempo and visited their opponents' box at ease. BMC who had only conceded four goals going into yesterday's game stood their ground with captain Alex Matshameko manning the defence well.

Speedy winger Sekhana Koko who had his opponents in sixes and sevens on the day, could have opened the scoring in the 18th minute but shot tamely at goalkeeper Takudzwa Ndoro.

BMC strikers, Kenanao Kgetholetsile and Owen Mwendabai were kept under close check by Rollers' defence of Kgomari Mothuba and Oscar Ncenga.

The two strikers were frustrated the entire game and played far apart. Even Peter Ngwenya who was brought in the second half for Mwendabai did not change the complexion of the game. 

BMC continued to frustrate the defending champions and ensured that the score remained goalless at the break.When the second half resumed, Rollers continued to push forward and were rewarded six minutes after the break when Mweuka Musonda headed home from close range.

Credit has to go to captain Joel Mogorosi who delivered a perfect cross from the left. BMC continued to search for an equaliser but their efforts were frustrated by Rollers.

With things not going their way, coach Kaizer Kalambo of BMC shouted at match officials. Time and again, Kalambo and his assistant Enos Mmesi challenged referees' decisions. BMC got their break in the 83rd minute when substitute Ofana Motsumi caught Rollers sleeping.

His shot went in after a deflection to silence Rollers' supporters for a moment. But they were soon smiling again after they were awarded a penalty by referee Tebogo Ramocha. Musonda was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Ndoro and the referee did not waste time pointing to the spot.

Former BMC star Mogorosi stepped up and easily converted what seemed like an emotional goal for him. The BMC bench and players protested the decision to award the penalty but the referee stood his ground.

Team line-ups;

Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Simisani Mathumo, Edwin Olerile, Ncenga, Mothuba, Lawrence Majawa, Amos Godirwang (Powell Abednico 76), Koko, Onalethata Tshekiso (Thando Moreki 76), Musonda (Phenyo Molefhe 87), Mogorosi.

BMC: Ndoro, Tshepo Maikano, Mosimanegape Ramohibidu, Omphemetse Molapo, Matshameko, Patrick Mathaba, Motsholetsi Sikele, Keeagile Kobe (Motsumi 77), Kgetholetsile, Mwendabai (Ngwenya 73), Atang Mmale

(Lovemore Morwira 73)

Man Of The Match:: Kgomari Mothuba

Cautions: Mathaba 62

Referee: Tebogo Ramocha

Assistant Referees: Moletlanyi Keoagile and Tebogo Ramotshwarapula

Fourth official: Tirelo Mositwane

Match Rating: 6/10