08 Apr 2018

Township Rollers has retaken the top spot in the BTC premiership league after Edwin ‘Muluba’ Moalosi scored a brace against Sankoyo Bush Bucks at Maun Sports Complex on Saturday,

In an exciting encounter which attracted a large crowd of spectators from all corners of the country, Township Rollers emerged victories  after previously suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Orapa United.

The game started at a slow pace in the first ten minutes of the first half, and teams were not showing any eagerness to pocket the three points.

Moalosi put his side ahead in the 22nd minute through a well taken free-kick which easily beat the goalkeeper.

The goal changed the tone and pace of the match as both teams started creating more chances but failed to convert them until half time.

The second half was a marvel to watch as Nikola Kavazovic’s boys took charge of the game and started creating more opportunities than the Ngurungu boys.

Township Rollers asserted their dominance over the Ngurungu boys with more ball possession, but the Maun based boys also fought gallantly.

They survived many scoring opportunities due to their number one goalkeeper, Kabelo Kuti who was on top of his game and did all he could to keep his team in the game.

In the 60th minute Moalosi again managed to create space for himself to give his team a 2-0 lead after a telling cross from Galabgwe Moyana.

Rollers’s second goal, which was excitedly celebrated by supporters, provoked their opponents as they increased pressure on the Blues with the clear intention to score goals.

They gave a spirited fight against their rivals until Gosaitse Manuel ran down the left flank and managed to penetrate Rollers solid defence to reduce the deficit to one goal with fifteen minutes remaining.

Despite the late push from Ngurungu, the experienced Rollers defence held on to their 2-1 lead and three valuable points.

In an interview, the winning coach expressed happiness, adding that they came to Maun to collect maximum points. He also said his simple system worked well in the game as his boys fought hard for victory.

He said although some of his key players were not part of the squad as one was on injury while the other was suspended due to two yellow cards, he “believed in the quality of players who were in the line-up.”

Sankoyo head coach, Philani Mabhena is still optimistic that they will make a come-back despite the defeat, saying their rivals found his boys not at their best in terms of preparation.

He accepted the loss and pointed out that they knew that the game was going to be tough, and stated that his boys were shaken in the first half to give away a free goal. He said the boys reacted well in the second half as they were well organised hence they managed to score.Ends