29 May 2017

Township Rollers celebrated being crowned the 2016/2017 BTC premiership champions at the Lobatse Sports Complex on May 27.

The Blues got their dues after defeating second placed Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 through a late goal from Terrence Mandaza.

The goal meant Rollers ended the season with 66 points.

In the afternoon of spectacle and ceremony, Rollers were officially handed the BTC trophy and league winners’ medals. Mandaza ends the season as top goal scorer with 17 goals, and is the Golden Boot award winner for his efforts.

The match between the champions and Galaxy, who are also Mascom Top Eight champions, started at a slow pedestrian pace in the first half.

Rollers were content with spreading passes and occasionally going forward to locate Mandaza.

The Zimbabwean striker seemed nervous as the pressure to get the decisive strike that would ensure his second top goal scorer’s award seemed to be getting the better of him.

Galaxy goalkeeper Anthony Gouws dealt with much of Rollers’ threats from the likes of Mandaza, Lemponye Tshireletso and captain Maano Ditshupo who all had their efforts saved by Gouws in the first half.

Thero Setsile, Morris Ruzivo and Thabang Sesinyi pushed forward for Galaxy, but Kabelo Dambe remained alert in Rollers goal.

The pace of the match picked in the second half, with Galaxy seemingly intent on reducing the points gap.

Rollers coach, Mogomotsi Mpote said he was proud of his boys.

“The boys came out today and played with much discipline and got the win for our supporters.

Overall it has been a good season for us and I thank everyone at the club for their support,” said Mpote.

He said they look forward to participating at the CAF competition next season. ENDS