24 Nov 2015

Despite going down by a solitary goal against their new found nemesis, Township Rollers have nonetheless proceeded to the next stage of the Mascom Top 8 Cup. 

Popa were inflicted their first loss of the season in all competitions by Police XI at the Molepolole sports complex. Despite winning the game and failing to proceed to the next stage, Jungle Kings supporters seemed content in beating Rollers. 

Rollers had defeated Police XI twice in a row, and had they lost the game, they would have suffered a trilogy of losses against Rollers in a month.

Jungle Kings supporters felt that they have nipped Rollers’ growing dominance on them, as they even matched in choirs after the final whistle. 

Rollers may have made the win easier for the Jungle Kings as they failed to produce their usual, high speed attacking game, perhaps owing to the fact that they came into the game carrying a healthy 4-2 lead, which did not warrant the risk of going forward in attack. 

This gave Police XI hope as they had nothing to lose, and they started pushing their opponent against the wall in the early minutes of the game, and it was no surprise that the Jungle Kings were awarded a penalty as early as the 9^th minute when Simisani Mathumo handled the ball inside his area. 

Katlego Masole slotted the ball past Noah Maposa who was between the posts in place of first choice goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe. 

The goal seemed to be a catalyst for Police XI supporters who had been singing even before the first whistle. Rollers, however, held on and also had their chances in the game, but were mostly let down by poor finishing upfront, especially by Carl Finnigan. 

The English striker proved to be a good protector of the ball, but his target shooting often let him down. 

Police XI only have themselves to blame for failing to intensify the pressure on Rollers, who looked beatable throughout the game, a weakness noted by their supporters who kept quiet throughout the game, only to erupt in song in the final whistle. 

Having won the inaugural cup in the 2011/2012 season, Rollers will now be hoping to rewrite the history books by being the first team to win the rejuvenated competition, which now carries the first prize of P1.2 million. 

Rollers, together with BDF XI, now have a chance of matching the record currently held by Gaborone United of winning the cup twice. Ends