28 Nov 2021

Simisani Mathumo’s header gave Township Rollers a tightly contested 1-0 victory over Police XI in a Premier League encounter.

Played in a cool Saturday afternoon breeze at the Otse Police College Stadium, the match was an exciting end to end contest from the onset.

Erratic decision making in the final third and good defending meant the two sides kept each other at bay for most of the game.

Having defeated Orapa United and Jwaneng Galaxy in their previous league encounters, Police entered the match in a buoyant mood and it was apparent from the beginning.

Their attack proved a handful for the Rollers backline and Popa goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe was forced to parry a Botshelo Mangena shot in the 11th minute.

Rollers steadily grew into the contest and in the 17th minute, Phenyo Serameng had his shot blocked off the line by the Police rearguard and in the ensuing goalmouth melee and Segolame Boy missed from close range.

Hendrick Moyo then missed a glorious chance for Police as the two sides threw everything into the contest.

Tlhalefo Molebatsi curled in the 37th minute corner kick and Mathumo rose to head Rollers into a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, the tempo of the high octane clash only slightly dropped.

Dambe rose to deny Eliphas Nyambi with a 57th minute acrobatic save.

Mangena once more came close to equalising for the Jungle Kings, while on one end, Bame Morwalela, Serameng and Molebatsi had chances to extend the Blues’ lead

The victory moved Rollers to 13 points, staying second on the log, two points behind early season pacesetters, Gaborone United.

GU continued their perfect start to the season with a 2-0 victory over Notwane at the National Stadium on Saturday night, ensuring the Reds stayed top on 15 points from five outings. ENDS