10 Apr 2016

Breathtaking second half goals by Onalethata Tshekiso for Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Galagbwe Moyana for Township Rollers ensured that the two domestic football giants shared the spoils in an enthralling premiership match played to a 1-1 draw at the National Stadium on Saturday night.

So much had been at stake on the night, and the multitudes that thronged the National Stadium got their money’s value. 

Akin to heavyweight boxers entering a Las Vegas arena, Chiefs and Rollers majestically trotted onto the pitch in front of an expectant crowd, only to spend the first half sizing each other up.

A few chances were created, the first for Rollers left back Kaone Van Der Westhuizen, who was presented with a free header early on after a pin point Tshepo Motlhabankwe free kick.  

But the Struizendam youngster headed wide, a great chance for Rollers to set the early tone gone begging.

Parts of the first half saw Chiefs passing the ball neatly at the back before playing long balls to their wings, as if to by pass the Rollers midfield trio of Lawrence Majawa, Maano Ditshupo and Ofentse Nato.

In the 32^nd minute Rollers goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe had to make a save, punching out a Pontsho Moloi free kick.

Chiefs’ gifted Moloi, Ayanda Molefe and Lemponye ‘FC’ Tshireletso looked impressive at times, but Magosi lacked enough penetration in front of goal.

But that was also the case with Rollers; some lively displays on the Blues wings by the hard running Joel Mogorosi and the skillful Moyana lacked the end product. 

The normally fearsome Popa striker Terrence ‘The Terror’ Mandaza was rarely involved, with his few half chances going astray.

 After the two sides went into the half time break deadlocked at 0-0,  they emerged for the second stanza showing greater determination in their pursuit of goal, and the game’s tempo picked up.

 Tshekiso opened Chiefs account, receiving  Moloi’s pass then curling a brilliant shot from the edge of the Rollers box in the 61st minute to make it 1-0 to Chiefs, the stocky striker scoring against his former employers.

 Having been muted in a tense first half, Chiefs supporters suddenly found their ‘dikhwaere’ singing voice.

 Moyana converted a 78^th minute free kick from a few metres outside the Chiefs penalty area to make it 1-1.  

The Rollers fans displayed their celebration of hurling umbrellas into the air and making circular motions, and they also found their voice. The two goals opened up the match, but an injury to Nthwane broke the rhythm as play was delayed late on for the Chiefs goal minder to receive medical attention. Rollers are still perched on top of the log with 61 points with three matches left in the championship race.                                                        

Popa are four points ahead of their challengers- second placed Chiefs and third placed Orapa United who both sit on 57 points after United also earned a point from their encounter with Sankoyo Bush Bucks on Friday night, a 2-2 draw.  Ends