21 May 2017

Township Rollers were on Saturday confirmed as the 2016-17 BTC Premiership champions after goals from Simisani Mathumo and Maano Ditshupo acquired the Blues a 2-0 win over Black Forest.

Jwaneng Galaxy who had been trailing Popa by just two points lost 3-1 to Gaborone United on the same day meaning that with just one game to go, Rollers sit on 63 points, five points clear at the top.

Rollers and Galaxy meet over the coming weekend in what was supposed to be a title deciding, mouthwatering grand finale. But whatever the result of that match, Popa will still be handed a record 14th national title. Forest had proved a hard nut to crack for their more experienced premier league opponents earlier on in the campaign.

But on Saturday, Rollers were quick off the blocks, taking control of the midfield through Ditshupo and Lawrence Majawa. In an open first half contest, both sides created chances.

Forest goalkeeper Michael James dealt with a seventh minute Segolame Boy free kick that seemed to be curling into the lower left side of his goalposts. Kabelo Dambe in Rollers goal was alert to the danger posed by Magoleng centre back Tonderai Nyakuba’s tenth minute long range shot.

Wellington Maposa headed over the bar in the 15th minute as Forest underlined their intentions. Rollers took the lead through central defender Mathumo, who rose to connect to a Boy corner kick, making it 1-0 to the Blues in the 28th minute. From then on Popa had control; James dealing with a long range Lemponye Tshireletso shot in the 36th minute.

Three minutes later, Ditshupo scored a spectacular goal from the right edge of the penalty area to make it 2-0 to Rollers. There were few chances in a subdued second half as Rollers worked on crossing the line.

With news filtering in from Jwaneng that Galaxy had lost to GU, Rollers fans started celebrating their side’s crown, and when Joshua Bondo blew for the final whistle, the Blue half of Gaborone erupted in song and dance.

Rollers head coach Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote said he was delighted to have become the first Motswana to win the top division since Sthandwa Mogwadi won the Mascom Premier League in 2006.

“I can only urge the management of various clubs to give Batswana coaches a chance, I believe we have what it takes, although we have room to improve we can only get better if given the chance. I thank the players for executing our game plan on the day and for the effort they put in throughout the season, we worked hard and deserve this title,” Mpote said.

Popa skipper Ditshupo said they dedicated their championship win to their recently deceased teammate Gofaone Tiro. ENDS