22 Jan 2017

Township Rollers surged to the top of the BTC Premiership log having defeated fellow title contenders Orapa United 4-1 at the National Stadium on Friday night.

Goals from Simisani Mathumo, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Terrance Mandaza and man of the match Edwin Moalosi underlined a dominant performance from Popa, who outplayed an Ostriches side whose sole response came from Omaatla Kebatho.

In a frenetic start to the top of the table clash, Kebatho had a gilt edged chance to put the visitors ahead in the second minute, but his effort went just wide after pin point cross from the right wing had located him clear on goal.

Thereafter, Rollers asserted their dominance.

With fluid forward movement and flowing passes, the Blues’ football was a joy to watch for their loyal fans, who packed the Eastern Panda stand as well as the traditional Rollers northern and grand stands.

It was from one of those enterprising moves that Popa took the lead.

A Segolame Boy corner kick was dealt with by the Orapa defence, and pushed back, Rollers built up play from the back, with neat passes on the right wing, before Boy floated in a cross for an overlapping Mathumo to head home in the 15th minute.

With a 1-0 goal cushion Rollers grew in confidence with Maano Ditshupo, who turned 32 on the day and Lawrence Majawa dictating the midfield terms against their gifted opponents.

As the first half wore on, Orapa captain Thabang Mosige and Obonye Moswate put in a shift for the Ostriches, pressing and winning possession, but going forward, Tendai Nyumasi and Ronald Chikomo could not assert themselves for Madinda Ndlovu’s men.

Rollers grabbed a second in the 32nd minute, Gaolaolwe scoring from close range after Orapa failed to clear their lines during a goalmouth melee.

The score line stayed 2-0 at half time and just after the break Kebatho gave the visitors hope with a clean strike on goal to make it 2-1 in the 47th minute.

A minute later Rollers struck again.

Moalosi wiggled his way past Olekantse Mambo before his effort was saved by Orapa goalkeeper Mosimanegape Robert, before Mandaza made in 3-1 on the rebound.

Buoyed by a return to the two-goal cushion, and spurred on by the crowd, Rollers asserted their dominance and got the fourth goal their supremacy deserved.

Moalosi made it 4-1 to Popa, taking advantage of indecision in the Ostriches defence.

In the end, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote’s side emerged 4-1 winners, climbing to the top of the log on 28 points, with Orapa moving to second position on 27 points.

The two sides meet again next Friday night at the Francistown Sports Complex in a Mascom Top 8 semi final first leg, and Ndlovu will want his side to be at their best to exact revenge on their nemesis. BOPA