Rollers crowned Mascom top 8 champions

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday July 30, 2012 00:00

 

Township Rollers was yesterday afternoon crowned champions of the inaugural Mascom 'Tse di Tona' Top 8 cup after defeating ECCO City Greens 3-1 in a pulsating encounter played at the UB Stadium. A goal in the first half by Tebogo Sembowa and further two goals in the second half by Onalethata Tshekiso and Sekhana Koko granted Rollers the trophy and a cheque of P1 million. Sembowa put Rollers ahead as early as the second minute tapping the ball over Chamunorwa Madamombe to finish off an excellent job by Ntesang Simanyana in creating the goal.Tshekiso, coming on as a substitute after half time doubled Rollers lead with a thunderbolt from outside the 18-yard box after making a swift turn leaving the defence wanting. Koko would add on to the tally scoring the third goal five minutes later connecting in a rebound after Edwin Olerile's shot came off the upright. Tendai Nyumasi pulled one back for ECCO in the 58th minute with a scorcher after Lovemore Murirwa eliminated the defence.

ECCO were rarely into the match for the opening 20 minutes defending too deeply allowing Rollers ample space to penetrate and were lucky not to concede at least two more goals in the half.  Sembowa nearly got a brace in the 15th minute but his effort hit the upright with Madamombe in sixes and sevens. Rollers gaffer Mike Sithole made a noticeable tactical change in his starting line up with usual left fullback Olerile playing on the left wing while Thato Bolweleng got a start in the left back position. The move worked wonders as Olerile turned to be the main tormenter of ECCO taking good runs down the flank and delivering in excellent crosses and even taking shorts at goal. It was no surprise when the pint-sized defender was named man of the match.

ECCO suffered a major setback when they were reduced to 10 men in the 36th minute after Lesego Tafa was shown a second yellow card and sent off for dangerous play on Bolweleng. Tshekiso, who replaced Amos Godirwang after halftime gave Rollers good options in attack and had a few good shots at goal. ECCO however, managed to create a few chances with the closest falling to Patrick Lenyeletse who blew away a glorious opportunity in the 75th minute shooting wide facing Dambe alone in a counter attack move. Olerile would also consider himself unlucky not to be registered in the score sheet after his effort in stoppage time brushed the upright again. Meanwhile, ECCO did not leave empty handed pocketing P400, 000 for finishing as runners up.

Line-ups:Rollers: Dambe-Ncenga, Ramaabya, Bolweleng, Mathumo-Simanyana (Lesego Molemogi 77)-Majawa, Godirwang (Tshekiso 45), Olerile, Koko-Sembowa (Balepi 74)

ECCO: Madamombe-Nko, Ntesa, Nlu-Kafuko (Legoreng 62), Jenamiso, Makafiri, Tafa, Lenyeletse, Nyumasi-Murirwa (Manuel 70)Referee: Joshua BondoCautions: Tafa (Dismissal 36), Godirwang 44, Simanyana 75, Dambe 90+2