the monitor

Morapedi bullish despite dropped points

Ronald Moipolai of VTM tussling for the ball with Mothusi Copper of Rollers. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Ronald Moipolai of VTM tussling for the ball with Mothusi Copper of Rollers. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

GAMONONYANE: Township Rollers assistant coach, Innocent Morapedi, says the FNB Premiership title race is only warming up despite his charges dropping two crucial points against VTM over the weekend.

For the second consecutive match, Rollers failed to collect maximum points, which would have put them on level points with log leaders, TAFIC. Morapedi, speaking on behalf of new head coach, Abdelaziz Karkache, remained unfazed and stated that his side is still on a good run. "This is only the first round and we cannot count ourselves out yet but it's four points lost in the past two games. Everyone at the Rollers family would have wanted us to at least win one of the games," Morapedi said. Morapedi further stated that it is imperative now for Popa to be locked in as the league approaches the second round with 14 matches played. "From here we are going for the best, it's only that on a day we can fail to get maximum points but the intention is now to get all the maximum points against every opponent we face," Morapedi said.

The game at the VTM Arena started on a high tempo and the visitors broke the deadlock 23 seconds into the game. Lanky forward Godfrey Tauyatswala showed class as he chipped the ball over VTM goalkeeper, Lesang Senne, to give his side a dream start. A minute later VTM started asking questions of their own with Kabelo Dambe forced to tip the ball over the bar for a corner from Onkgolotse Motlhabankwe's strike. Returning from long-term injury, Mogakolodi Ngele, nearly handed Rollers the second goal but was denied by Senne who was on high alert. The two teams kept going at each other pound for pound. In the 25th minute, Ayanda Molefhe bottled a one-on-one chance to level matters for his side as Dambe was on hand to deny him. The teams headed to the tunnel with Rollers holding on to their lead. After probing for an equaliser for most part of the game, VTM finally found the back of the net. Wilfred Dithwane made up for his earlier mistakes by scoring a sublime free-kick leaving Dambe flatfooted.

Editor's Comment
‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up