23 Mar 2014

Township Rollers’ victory against Motlakase Power  Dynamos on Saturday, March 22, ensured that the former stayed at top of the be Mobile Premier League log.

Their one-nil victory at Swallows Ground in Palapye meant that Township Rollers accrued 53 points from 25 games.

The solidarity goal scored through penalty by substitute Lovemore Murwira stretched Motlakase's one-nil losing stream, as they previously lost 1-nil to Gaborone United, BDF and Mochudi Centre Chiefs. The penalty was awarded two minutes before Uyapo Julius could blow the final whistle of the game.

Motlakase’s busy defense did well but their strikers were below par as they failed to test or threaten Mwampule Masule or at least keep Rollers defense on their toes. Through his well-executed passes, Gabathompe Tsheko brought creativity on the Palapye side.

The victorious coach, Madinda Ndlovu said it was a tough game. “As always the games played with lower teams in the log will always be tough,” he said. Coach Ndlovu said Motlakase did not utilise their home advantage and tactically they did not come to the party.

Though Rollers tactician said he could not complain about the ground because all teams had played on same ground, he  stated that, “you cannot have a plan in this ground except to try to win the game, the conditions are not suitable for best football.”

He said he always told his players that they were log leaders and should remain focused. Motlakase coach, Pule Mogotsi who decried inconsistency of officiating said the penalty was awarded after the elapse of five added minutes.

Coach Mogotsi added that the penalty was awarded dubiously as their defender who committed a hand ball was pulled down by one of Rollers players and the hand ball was unintentional. Despite the loss, he said they showed character that they wanted to remain in top eight bracket. ENDS