12 Dec 2017

South African import, Mthokozisi Msomi’s wonder striker on Monday night (December 11) propelled Township Rollers to the Mascom Top 8 semi-finals.

Following an impressive two goals win a fortnight ago against BDF XI, the writing was on the wall that Popa had one foot in the semi-finals encounter.

Rollers have joined Gaborone United, Orapa United and defending champions, Jwaneng Galaxy in the semi-finals of the lucrative cup.

In football, strikers are judged by their goal conversion rate and following a length dry spell in front of goals, Msomi finally got the monkey off his back, as he scored his only second goal in Rollers colours since his much talked about arrival from South Africa.

In the absence of the tried and tested target man, Jerome Ramathakwane, who was out due to a hamstring injury, Popa resorted to Msomi to lead the offensive line and the former Bidvest Wits marksman did not disappoint on the day.

With close physical resembles of another former Rollers superstar, Joseph Chikoti, Msomi’s physicality was a nightmare to Letang Kgengwenyane’s troops who struggled to match his physical attributes and aerial strength.

His combination with Lemponye Tshireletso, Ntesang Simanyana and Segolame Boy in the final third of the opponents field could just be the perfect prescription for Popa to add the Mascom Top 8 silverware to their trophy cabinet this season.

In his post-match comments, BDF XI head coach, Kgengwenyane applauded his side for a brave fight, but complained of his player’s lack of concentration and confidence in critical stages of the game.

He said his game plan was based on not conceding in the early stages of the match, and getting two quick goals to restore parity in the match.

He said it was regrettable that all did not go as planned, and that they had to bow out at the first huddle.

“We put a solid performance to keep Rollers at bay and we were always solid and compact in the middle of field, but Rollers are a quality side which always has ways of winning games even in difficult situations,” he said.

Rollers head coach, Nikola Kavazovic applauded his players for maintaining an unbeaten run both in the league and cup competitions. ENDS