08 Mar 2020

Orapa United have piled misery over Township Rollers by snatching the biggest prize of P1.4 million during the Mascom Top 8 season 9 final at the Obed Chilume Stadium in Francistown on March 6.

Rollers aka Mapalastina’s hope of getting the golden prize were thwarted by the Ostriches in a 4-3 penalty shootout after they played to a one-all draw in full time.

The defeat follows their loss against  Gaborone United in last week’s Gaborone derby. The first half saw Rollers having an upper hand as they launched more attacks and created many chances but failed to utilise them.

In the eighth minute Rollers tried their luck when their top striker, Tumisang Orebonye’s ball hit the near post.

Another chance came when Onkarabile Ratanang took a brilliant  free kick in the 17^th minute, which nearly  hit the goal post but was saved by Orapa United’s lads.

The Ostriches also tried their luck from a cross that was well taken by Mbatshi Elias and received by Onkabetse Makgantai who hit the post but Rollers defence was alert and created a corner.

In the 32^th minute  Orapa United got an opening goal through Mbatshi Elias, which gave them much more confidence.

The blues were now under pressure both from their supporters and the teachnical team as they were a goal behind, but Tumisang Orebonye came to his teams rescue when he equalised.

The first half, which was played at a high tempo and with a positive response from the supporters ended with both teams sharing spoils. The second half, however started in a low pace and mood saw the teams failing to score until they went for a penalty shootout.

Frank Nuttall in the 53^th minute substituted Kabelo Dambe who was injured with Wagarre Dikago.

Also, Segolame Boy was brought in to help in front, but Orapa United players were equal to the task. Orebonye’s second goal of the day was ruled out by the referee, something which angered Rollers’ supporters.

Meanwhile, after the final showdown, Mascom Wireless held the awards ceremony at the stadium.  Player of the Tournament was awarded to Kamogelo Matsabu of Rollers, who walked away with P55 000 while Lesenya Malapela of Orapa United scooped Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.

Orebonye walked away with two awards; Man of the match and the Yellow boot awards respectively and Coach of the Tournament award went to Orapa United’s Mogomotsi Mpote while Referee of the Tournament award went to Tshepo Gobagoba while Tilolo Molefe got the Assistant Referees’ award. ENDS