Defending be-MOBILE Premier League Champions, Township Rollers, narrowly beat city rivals Gaborone United (GU) 1-0 in a closely-contested derby at the UB Stadium on Saturday evening.
The game started on a fast pace with GU enjoying more time on the ball and keeping Rollers' goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe busy as his opposite number Mosweu Thakadu became a spectator. GU had the first shot at goal in the 10th minute when winger Mandla Mgadla tested Dambe from close range but the Under-23 international was equal to task. GU dominated possession in the opening half but failed to find the opener, largely because of Dambe's quick reflexes. Newly-signed striker, Dylan Chivandire nearly put GU ahead in first half injury time but his effort hit the side netting when scoring at the far post looked the easier option. The two sides went to the break deadlocked at 0-0. After halftime, Rollers' coach Wesley Mondo made a double substitution bringing in Thapelo 'Pepe' Balepi and Amos 'Shoes' Godirwang for Phenyo Molefe and Thando Moreki. The changes seemed to fire Rollers into attacking mode. Onalethata Tshekiso's effort narrowly went over the bar in the 52nd minute while Chivandire's header from a throw in missed the goal by a whisker five minutes later. Somali midfielder Mohammed Chawila came close for Rollers in the 59th minute with a powerful low drive. GU caught Rollers on counter-attack in the 67th minute but Ronald Chikomo shied away from responsibility, passing the ball to an offside Chivandire.
