08 Dec 2015

The top of the table clash between Orapa United and Township Rollers ended in a stalemate over the weekend. 

Rollers came into the game with the intention to extend their unbeaten run to 15 league games while the Ostriches wanted to close up the gap and maintain their unbeaten home run.

For the home side coach, Madinda Ndlovu it was the right time to prove to his former employee that he can still excel with the supposed underdogs. 

The game which attracted an impressive turnout, started on a low note as both teams failed to attack and the ball was played mostly on the wings.

The log leaders rollers made their intentions known as they pushed forward from the ontset through blistering pace of Kobamelo Kebaikanye and got Orapa United goal minder Mosimanegape Robert working endlessly to defy Kebaikanye’s efforts.

 Robert made a number of brilliant saves to keep out the agile striker.

Rollers players took the game to the hosts through succession of set-pieces and their goal was disallowed in the 10 minutes of the game as it was ruled offside.

Kebaikanye was brilliant on the day while his captain Maano Ditshupo controlled the match well but United tactfully absorbed Rollers attack.

The home team tried to respond through Ronald Chikomo who fired a right footed strike and blocked by Rollers defender Simisani Mathumo.

The two teams went into recess with no team finding the back of the net. 

At half-time it looked like being a case of who would open score sheet in the second half.

The second half did not bring much improvement from both teams and coaches made their all substitutes trying to push forward for the opening goal. 

United nearly opened the score sheet when Patrick Motsepe headed a cross over the bar from his teammate Patrick Lenyeletse. Both teams sat at the back and they were having slim chances of going forward.

Though Orapa United was not playing their usual game, Motsepe was influential in the middle of the pitch and his creativity made him dangerous throughout the game.

The second half seemed unfavourable towards the visitors as their benched striker Carl Finnigan received a yellow card while warming up and his coach was sent to watch at the stands. Both white men had used abusive words to match officials.

But that did not discourage Rollers as they pushed forward looking for the opening goal and missed when Sekhana Koko’s bicycle kick denied by the upright before the end of an official stoppage time. 

All in all it had not been a great match and the hope for both teams’ supporters was to see avalanche of goals.

Orapa United coach, Madinda Ndlovu said a draw was a fair result considering the fact that Township Rollers was a good team and obviously it was a battle of the top two giants. Ends