02 Feb 2020

As the referee ventilated three times into his whistle to signal the end of Gilport Lions’ 2-1 league triumph over Township Rollers on February 1 night at the National Stadium, Gilport coach Paradzayi Mandivenga jumped for joy on the touchline then rushed onto the pitch in jubilation.

The excitement at the end, as Gilport players and technical staff embraced each other akin to a side reaching a cup final was in celebration of a deserved victory over the league defending champion and pre-match odds on favourites Popa.

Goals from Kevin Bulala, a first half penalty, and a Lone Taele winner right at the death accounted for the win; Lemponye Tshireletso’s stunning 71st minute long range effort for Rollers sandwiched between the two Gilport goals.

Coming into the weekend, Rollers had scored 13 goals in their three official league and cup appearances in 2020 against Notwane, Police XI and BDF XI, inspiring the fear of God into opponents as many believed Popa were becoming invisible under new coach Frank Nuttall.

But Gilport played well to a man, Rollers predictably having more of the ball and the better chances; but Mandivenga’s side stayed patient, being compact and, like a lion prowling for prey, pounced at the right opportunity.

After a nigh on 20 minute delay to kickoff as authorities ordered the covering of advertising boards containing branding of Mascom (commercial competitors to league title sponsors BTC) the game finally commenced.

Rollers, who had rested their prolific striker Tumisang Orebonye saw stand in forward Bogosi Mfila being injured after just 15 minutes, forcing an early substitution as Kitso Mpuisang came on.

Both sides took time to settle and it was in the 23rd minute that Mothusi Cooper fired the first shot in anger; the attempt going wide of the Gilport goal.

Rollers right back Kamogelo Matsabu made a run into the danger zone then saw his effort blocked out for a corner kick by Gilport goalkeeper Richard Mampane.

Mpuisang then came close in the 32nd minute, disturbed by the Gilport rearguard as he tried to control and convert from close range.

Rollers then committed what in tennis parlance would be termed an unforced error.

With just about five minutes to the break, Gilport had yet to have a shot on goal, but they were presented with a glorious opportunity when Matsabu handled the ball in the box and the referee signaled for a penalty.

Bulala converted the 40th minute spot kick, taking the contest to the break with Gilport a goal up.

Rollers entered the second half in attack mode, and Arnold Mampori his headed attempt blocked off the line by Gilport midfielder Mpho Ramagonono.

With Gilport in good defensive shape, it would take a moment of magic for Rollers to draw level. Tshireletso struck a thunderbolt from yards outside the box that made it 1-1 in the 71st minute.

Nuttall pulled out defensive midfield anchor Ivan Mbowa, bringing in Motsholetsi Sikele, and as Rollers attacked in search of the winner, Gilport were clearly looking to counter attack on the transition.

With a minute left, second half substitute Taele struck the winner; on a positive run on the left flank, Taele cut inside and scored on the near post. Gilport thus secured the 2-1 win. ENDS