Rollers crush GU

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Monday June 18, 2012 00:00

 

Rollers started upfront with U-23 striker, Phenyo Molefe with Ngele playing right behind him. GU on the other hand started with two strikers, Makundika Sakala and Ronald Chikomo. Speedy winger, Mandla Mgadla started on the right.  The game was fiercely contested right from the start especially in the middle of the park. GU midfield has been solid since the return of Alphonso Modisaotsile from injury. His partnership with Nato did well against Rollers' midfield pair of Lawrence Majawa and Ntesang Simanyana.

The first real scoring chance came GU's way in the 13th minute and they capitalised. Nato tapped in from a corner kick. However, GU's lead was cancelled three minutes later when Ngele received a high ball from his striker partner, Molefe. Ngele managed to control the ball perfectly with his chest before turning and shooting past GU goalkeeper, Noah Maposa. The match looked evenly contested with GU full backs, Mpho Kgaswane and Kaelo Kgaswane closely monitoring Rollers wingers, Sekhana Koko and Edwin Moalosi.

Edwin Olerile and Simisani Mathumo also managed to close down GU wingers, Kgololo Leteane and Mgadla. In the 24th minute, Moalosi tested Maposa with a powerful shot, but the Zebras goalkeeper parried it away for a corner. The game went into recess with the two sides tied at 1-1. GU caretaker coach, Philemon Makhwengwe made double substitution. Chikomo made way for Stephen Maposa while, Thebe Maiketso replaced Mgadla. Some section of GU supporters seemed disappointed with the decision to remove Chikomo and leave Sakala on the pitch.

Moalosi and Ngele combined in the 73rd minute and Moalosi delivered a dangerous cross, which Maposa failed to cut. However, Molefe reacted slowly and GU defence made a decisive clearance. Ten minutes later, GU had their chance to take the lead when Stephen Maposa set up Nato whose powerful shot gave Dambe a hard time.Appeals for a penalty by Rollers supporters were ignored by referee, Lekgotla Johannes although it appeared GU defender, Tumisang Sekanonyane fouled Ngele in the box. Ngele broke GU supporters' hearts with a cracking shot in the 90th minute following a good move involving Moalosi and Koko. He is now the leading goal scorer in the competition with five goals.

The line-ups:Rollers: Dambe, Mathumo, Olerile, Oscar Ncenga, Agisanyang Ramaabya, Majawa, Simanyana, Koko, Ngele, Molefe (Sembowa 80), Moalosi

GU: Maposa, Kaelo Kgaswane, Mpho Kgaswane, Sekanonyane, Musa Ohilwe, Modisaotsile, Nato, Mgadla (Maiketso 49), Leteane, Sakala (Sageby Sandaka 69), Chikomo (Stephen Maposa 49) Cautions: Nato, Ohilwe, NgeleReferee: Lekgotla Johannes