For years, the clash between the two has been arguably the Premier League’s bestseller until Magosi’s relegation few years ago.
Before the start of the season, Magosi returned to the elite league after buying status. The first official encounter with Rollers after their return ended in a 0-0 draw. On Sunday evening, the atmosphere both on and off the field was something to write home about. The attendance was one of the best this season, with fans still arriving in large numbers few minutes before the initial scheduled time, The Premier League authorities rightly took a decision to delay the start of the match by 30 minutes to allow fans to get into the National stadium. Ahead of the encounter, Rollers were looking to return to winning ways and keep up the pace with others after dropping points against TAFIC in the previous encounter. Magosi on the other hand knew pretty well that a win would not only give them bragging rights but would also throw them right inside the title race. Despite the two sides missing several goalscoring opportunities, the game lived up to its expectations.
Rollers looked solid in the midfield with Mothusi Cooper doing all the dirty work while Marcel Papama was the link between the midfield and attack. Chiefs on the other hand looked dangerous on attack with the likes of Tefo Mofokeng giving Rollers defence a torrid time. The two sides went to halftime break tied at 0-0.
Following the substitution of Papama by Rollers, Chiefs found the gap in the midfield and substitute, Resaobaka Thatanyane broke away and gave Magosi the lead in the 85th minute. Mofokeng sealed the victory two minutes, sending Magosi supporters into wild celebrations and song. Chiefs climbed to the fourth position after the victory while Rollers dropped to position six from four. In the end, Magosi did not only claim maximum points but also bragging rights against their old time rival. Speaking to journalists after the match, Chiefs assistant coach, Sekhana Koko said they cannot be ruled out of contention for the league title. “We haven’t given up on it (league title) yet. We still believe we are up for it. We are with the guys that are also looking for that. We still believe until maybe about eight points separates us with the team at the summit,” he said.
