23 Feb 2015

Township Rollers coach, Madinda Ndlovu has hailed his new goalkeeper, Noah Maposa for a job well done in his debut against BDF XI.

Maposa denied Matebele victory in a Mascom Top 8 first leg of the semi-final game played at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks on Sunday, February 21.

Rollers, who prior to the game were reported as thirsty for a win, managed a 2-1 win against Matebele, and the two away goals might be crucial for Mapalastina in the second leg of the tournament.

Ndlovu said they have been losing games because of defensive errors, and that Noah used his experience in the goal posts to organise the defence. 

“Noah marshaled his defence very well and, like I said, that goal was a defensive error, and I am proud of him because he did exceptionally well in his debut,” he said.

During the game, Matebele came out with guns blazing, searching for an early goal, and in the 15^th minute, they won a free kick in a dangerous position. Kabelo Seakanyeng took the free kick only for Maposa to deny him what could have been a certain goal.

Although BDF XI continued to move forward, often getting the better of Popa’s defence, their main obstacle was Maposa, who’s positioning, ball distribution, and command on the day was world class.

In the 23^rd minute of the game, Rollers scored their first goal through Jerome Ramatlhakwana after a cross from Segolame Boy who had mesmerised two BDF XI defenders before setting up Ramatlhakwana.

No matter how much BDF XI tried to retaliate after the goal, they could not find the back of the net, and the game went into half time with Popa leading 1-0. After the break, both teams came back revitalised and they both launched aggressive attacks with many players surging forward as they searched for goals. 

It did not come as a surprise when Matebele equalised in the 57^th minute after Rollers defence had failed to clear what looked like a routine ball. Bonolo Phuduhudu was well positioned to punish the mistake. 

The goal gave BDF XI hope, but Rollers became even more resolute as they put more pressure on their opponent’s defence, scoring their second goal through the meticulous Boy in the 69^th minute.

The game ended with the scoreboard reading 2-1, and BDF X1 coach, Letang Kgwengwane said he was confident that his charges would reverse the scoreline in the second leg.

He lamented that his team conceded the two goals because they did not wage a competent enough fighting strategy such as tight marking and spirited chasing. The second game will be played on March 13 at the National Stadium.  ENDS