20 Jan 2019

Township Rollers have failed to keep the momentum running in the second round of the BTC Premiership, managing a draw against Notwane following a 3-1 loss to Jwaneng Galaxy.

Popa Popa or Mapalastina as called by its legion of fans have been a shadow of themselves and many pundits are wondering if new coach, Nicholas Zapata would be able to defend the lucrative league championship.

Zapata, who sat on the team’s bench for the first time after he received his work permit during the week, said the Friday game against Notwane was tough, although his side controlled the game.

He started with a 4-1-4-1 formation, with the league’s top goal scorer Joel Mogorosi being the lone striker, but in the second half he changed it to a 4-1-3-2 formation.

Speaking in a post-match interview, he said he preferred a single holding midfielders.

The game started on a high note, with Rollers attacking their opponents, playing their usual game characterised by attacks from both flanks.

Segolame Boy, Edwin Moalosi, Lemponye Tshireletso and Mogorosi were constantly knocking on their opponent’s door, with Mothusi Cooper orchestrating most of the attacks.

Mogorosi had an opportunity to put his team ahead in the early minutes of the game but his header went over the bar.

Rollers continued mixing short and long passes, while Notwane at the other end, failed to penetrate their opponent’s defence marshalled by Maano Ditshupo, Simisani Mathumo, Mosha Gaolaolwe and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.   

Mapalastina got their lead in the 12th minute as Notwane goalkeeper Michael Pepukani parried a shot from Moyana, but an unmarked Mogorosi pounced on the loose ball to give his side a goal.

The goal looked to have rejuvenated Rollers who immediately won the ball from kickoff and went into attack, but this time Notwane defence managed to clear the danger.

As the game progressed, Notwane looked dangerous on counter attacks, with Thabiso Boti showing he could take on several defenders, but at times got carried away and lost the ball. If he could learn to pass to his teammates he could be one of the best midfielders in the league.

In one instance he managed to pass through Ditlhokwe and Gaolaolwe, but double marking saw him losing the ball as his teammates, Sithembile Mbuqe and Tlhalefo Molebatsi called for the ball.

Their short passes were a marvel to watch as they managed to play from the back to the front, but they looked lost when they approached the 18 yard area.

Notwane’s equaliser came through Mbuqe after Mathumo lost the ball in the 18 yard area, and Mbuqe beat an advancing Keagile Kgosipula to level the score.

Mbuqe could have given his team the lead in the dying minutes of the first half, but his shot hit the upright after Kgosipula was completely outplayed.

In the second half Notwane looked more rejuvenated, although Rollers remained strong in the back.

They resolved to long shots which did not trouble Kgosipula.

In the 65th minute, Zapata made a substitution, introducing Tumisang Orebonye for Moyana.

The substitution added more power up front, although this meant Rollers used more numbers to attack, leaving room for Notwane to launch counter attacks.

Notwane’s interim coach, Michael Mogaladi replaced Richard Legwaila with Ishmael Amponsah.

In the 77th minute, Topo Piet came in for Lesego Lubinda as Mogaladi wanted to secure maximum points.

The game eventually ended with a 1 all draw, with Rollers still perched at the peak of the league with 37 points.

In an interview, Mogaladi said he was happy with the way his players conducted themselves, saying they followed instructions.

He said he worked on defence during training, but was led down by what he called a silly goal.ENDS