01 Feb 2016

Extension Gunners has helped Township Rollers to reclaim the top spot in the league following a 1-1 draw with Orapa United at the New Lobatse Stadium on Saturday.

The result means Township Rollers has reclaimed their position in the log standings after beating Motlakase Power Dynamos 2-1 last week.

However, Township Rollers has the same points with Orapa United, but the former have scored more goals. Township Rollers and Orapa United have 45 points each.

Township Rollers dropped to the second spot of the beMOBILE Premiership a week ago following a 1-2 loss to BR Highlanders in Molepolole in the preceding Saturday. Gunners affectionately called ‘Guna Guna’ by their diehard supporters and Orapa United proved to have matured players who kept on checking each other’s mettle as the search for goals continued.

The home team and the visitors were matching each other pound to pound in the opening minutes of the first half and both teams did not give each other room to play.

Madinda Ndlovu’s charges demonstrated their prowess in the midfield that gave Guna Guna a hard time, but lack of sharpness upfront let them down.

The midfield supplied magnificent through balls as well as defence splitting passes to the striking force, but Madinda’s team needs a prolific striker and a clinical finisher.

Orapa United’s Olekantse Mambo made telling runs upfront and positioned himself well, but lacked assistance to punish his opponents.

Orapa United also had height advantage upfront that gave them a platform to play aerial balls, but failed to utilise the opportunities.

In the 37^th minute of the first stanza, Desire Bafana gave Gunners the lead with a brilliant header that gave Mosimanegape Robert no chance.

Gunners had orchestrated a beautiful move that resulted in Pako Gaofose being fouled just outside the box. Kemmy Pilato delivered an accurate ball in the danger area for Bafana to give his side the lead. 

In the 21^st minute of the second half, Patrick Lenyeletse replied to give his side the equaliser with a powerful drive that went through Wagarre Dikago’s legs into the net. 

Gunners kept on pushing forward in numbers in search of goals, but their opponents’ defence proved to be a hard nut to crack.

In the dying minutes of the game, Orapa United’s Lemogang Maswena failed to utilise an easy chance after a breakthrough.

Gunners mentor, Daniel Nare said his team played according to plan as they knew that their opponents will play in a triangle approach. He said they pressed them in the middle to try to break the triangle and deny them a chance to play.

Nevertheless, Nare said he was content with a draw, but decried Bonno Mosea’s head injury, noting that the team lost shape after he was substituted.

Orapa United’s coach, Madinda also expressed content with a draw, adding that his team accepts every result of a game.

He said in the first half they started well with precise passing and had a better game, but lacked clinical finishing.

He said the game was not meant for them to win and thanked his boys for doing well throughout the season, noting that the team has the least number of goals concided.

He also said his play maker, Onkabetse Makgantai needs to jell well with other players.

The game culminated in a Gumba Fire fundraising event for Guna Guna boys at O’ Zone Club in Peleng. Ends