08 Apr 2019

BTC Premiership log leaders, Township Rollers played to a draw with relegation threatened Sankoyo Bush Bucks in Maun on April 6.

All teams played to their level best but the game finished 1-1.

Township Rollers, who are still on the top of the table with 54 points, looked dangerous in the opening exchanges and seemed eager to draw first blood with Lemponye Tshireletso and Tumisang Orebonye exchanging good passes.

Sankoyo Bush Bucks coach Gadimang Tiiso’s charges were sloppy in the midfield and showed nerves in the first quarter of the match while the visitors were always first on the ball and confident as Kamogelo Matsabu nearly gave Rollers the lead in the 6^th minute.

Though Sankoyo were lagging behind in attacks, their defence was good as Modiredi Matengu and Ronny Leagetse gave Rollers strikers no chance to score.

In the 11^th minute, Rollers were awarded a free kick after Mothusi Cooper was fouled outside the box, but Tshireletso’s attempt was off target.

In the 28^th minute, Sankoyo’s defence nearly scored an own goal after Joel’s cross was headed to goal by Bapaletswe Simon, but luckily the ball hit the goal post and went back into play. 

Cooper was unfortunate not to find the back of the net in the 34^th minute as his curling shot was blocked by a Sankoyo defender, while the follow-up from Mogorosi was denied by the goalkeeper.

Rollers dominated ball possession through the good exchange and combination of Mogorosi, Tshireletso, Cooper and Maano Ditshupo.

The game went to half-time with a 0-0 score.

In the second half, Sankoyo Bush Bucks came with guns blazing with good counter attacks from Thato Monowe and Malvern Moyo whose combination gave Sankoyo an opening goal which was not allowed for being offside.

Rollers gaffer Rodolfo Zapata introduced Edwin Moalosi for Cooper in the 15 minute of the second half and Rollers controlled the game in which they scored a goal through Tshireletso in the 78^th minute.

The tempo of the game increased after the goal as they were pushing forward with good ball possession, but Tshireletso was unlucky not to find his second goal from a long-range shot.

Sankoyo also kept going forward in search of an equaliser, thanks to Mosha Gaolaolwe’s 88^th-minute own goal from a strike from Malvern Moyo which hit Mosha and into his own net to make it 1-1.

Tiiso said he was happy with his boys’ contribution to the game looking at the fact that they were on the verge of relegation.

“A draw is something for us as we are looking forward to getting more points from our last six matches so that we can survive.

Tiiso said they would draw courage and motivation from the draw.

Meanwhile, Zapata was not happy with the results, saying his plan was to get maximum points in Maun and continue his challenge for the league honours.

“We are not under any pressure as many think because of Jwaneng Galaxy. That is behind us with a point as they have won their game today, but we are fine and we will fight until the end.’’

Township Rollers still have a game in hand while Jwaneng Galaxy is second with 53 points. ENDS