Prospects of a loss are dim for Rollers
| Friday February 11, 2011 00:00
Balanced squad with depth: Another key factor that should give Rollers their second title in a row. They have one of the most balanced squads in the league - from defence going forward. Kabelo Dambe is solid between the posts, sometimes standing out as the sole figure between the team and defeat. The young goalkeeper matured immensely after being named Player of the Season in his debut in the Premier League last season. In defence, many thought the team would struggle after the departure of nomadic Itayi Gwandu to Mochudi Centre Chiefs at the end of the last campaign. However, the likes of Oscar Ncenga and Kgomare Mothuba have stood the test of time in the heart of defence. The team has the second best defensive record in the league after Mochudi Centre Chiefs, having conceded only 16 times. Edwin Olerile and Simisane Mathumo have also done an excellent job as quarterbacks.
The roping in of Gaopatwe 'Shoes' Seosenyeng and Tshepiso Kgosiemang in the January transfer window brought in the desired depth in the squad. The experienced Pius Kolagano also brings in enough cover for defence. In midfield, workaholic Lawrence Majawa does the dirty job in front of the opposing defence, allowing Powell Abednico enough room to operate the team's engine room.
The midfielders complement one another superbly. Amos Godirwang has also not disappointed whenever he has been called to action. He has been used rather sparingly this season, with the coach preferring the partnership of Majawa and Abednico in the middle. Wide, the team has been relying on two fast wingers, Sekhana Koko and Joel Mogorosi. The latter, who departed quite unceremoniously through the January window, was the most outstanding performer for Popa in the first round, scoring as many goals as he created and almost single-handedly driving the team to the top of the log. However, after his emphatic presence rendered other players insignificant, his departure has created an opportunity for them to shine.
Koko is one particular player who began to make his presence felt after the departure of Mogorosi. Enjoying the freedom of the wings, Koko has become the Rollers' Messiah, scoring the crucial goals recently against Miscellaneous and Gaborone United. Somali-born Mohammed Chawila had received limited game time, but he is another player who seems to have benefited from Mogorosi's exit, though he is yet to prove he deserves a place in the starting line-up. Young Phenyo Molefe and Thando Moreki provide the necessary depth in midfield. Thapelo 'Pepe' Balepi, who was absent for most part of the season, has demonstrated that he still possesses a lot of potential in the few games he featured as a substitute recently.
Many believe Rollers should have signed on another striker in the January transfer window. Why? Rollers brought in Mweuku Musonda from Chiefs after the departure of free-scoring Terrence Mandaza at the end of the previous season. But the Zambian has not been firing enough to upfront. However, his partnership with Onalethata Tshekiso still managed to produce some goals, keeping the team afloat. While it is a fact Popa relied mostly on Mogorosi for goals for the better part of the season, it can be argued that the team is not in dire need of a target man because the responsibility of goal scoring is now spread evenly across all departments. Fitness and character: It is without doubt that Popa are the fittest team in the league. They just proved that last month when they won three matches in six days without any signs of burnout. The matches included a 6-2 drubbing of Santos, a 3-1 win over Notwane and 1-0 win over United. Their physical prowess will always give them an edge over their opponents, including their traditional rivals, GU. They exploited a fleeting concentration lapse in GU defence to get the all-important winning goal. It is in tough games that true champions show their resilient mental character, and Popa have never failed to meet the challenge. The remaining nine games will be very crucial in this regard, and will determine Popa's destiny.
Challengers fall behind?As the adage goes, one man's pain is another man's gain. This is what Rollers' faithful must have been thinking when the wheels started falling off from one-time title challengers ECCO City Greens towards the end of the first round. ECCO - who at one point took turns with Popa at the apex - fumbled along the way, giving Rollers the chance to widen their gap at the top. Some still think Chiefs, who recently ascended to second spot, can challenge for the honours. Mathematically yes, but they came a might too late. With nine games to go, a team of Rollers' calibre is unlikely to lose grip and allow Chiefs to close their 10-point lead. The team has a mathematical chance of finishing the league with 81 points while Chiefs and third-placed ECCO can only go up to 71 and 70 points respectively, and even then, if they win all their remaining fixtures.
Technical team: With a solid technical team, Rollers are probably the best-run club in the league. Despite his credentials being questioned by many when he was appointed head coach at the beginning of the season, Zambian Wesley Mondo has defied the odds and remained focused on delivering on his job. And credit must be given when it is due: most of the key players in Popa's league success last season have left the club, but the man still soldiers on without complaint. The 'renegades' include top goal scorer Mandaza, Edwin Moalosi, Gwandu and former captain Mogorosi. The ambivalent aspect to Mogorosi is that in retrospect, some actually see his departure as a blessing in disguise because people were beginning to regard Rollers as a one-man team.
The team's robust physique should be attributed to physical trainer Professor Onyewadume, who has been taking the team through its paces since the last season. Former Zebras' keeper Thabo Motang brings stability to the technical team as an assistant coach and goalkeeper coach.
Twelfth player: The team's supporters remain an integral part of its success. They are always there to provide the necessary motivation wherever Rollers play, cheering them on even when the odds are stacked high against the men in blue. Surely, the input of the twelfth player will have been a factor in Rollers' glory, come end of season.
Rollers' remaining fixtures: BDF XI, Chiefs, ECCO, BMC, Motlakase, TAFIC, NICO, Gunners, Black Peril.