'Piro' gets one more against Rollers
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 29, 2023 15:03
The Reds registered a 1-0 victory in the semi final of the Orange FA Cup played at the National Stadium to book a date in the final against Orapa United. Following the victory, Moloi said the recent league win over Rollers provided a morale boost and that the Reds enjoy a good record over their rivals.
‘Piro' has never lost against Rollers as the GU head coach. “I knew the most critical game was the last week's game against them. It was that important, whoever won that match was going to win today.
That is the truth. I knew if we win last week we may win today. It is a game of momentum, it is a psychological game and we had an upper hand against them,” he said. The Reds’ early attack paid dividends as Mpho Kgaswane tapped in a parried shot into the net on the sixth minute. From the goal, Rollers tried to get to their rhythm but struggled to penetrate the GU defence.
The Reds got another chance on the 16th minute as Thatayaone Kgamanyane guided his effort from outside the box over the bar. Few moments later, it was Kgaswane again but this time his effort went wide off the post.
With the GU defence tight, Popa resorted to long range efforts but could not hit the target. Three minutes to the break, Segolame Boy hit the cross bar before Thero Setsile skied his effort on the other end. GU held a 1-0 lead at half time. Five minutes into the second half, Mogakolodi Ngele delivered a teasing ball for Bame Morwalela who clashed with the goalkeeper and had the Rollers bench calling for a foul. The referee, however, ignored the appeals. Popa resorted to their patient build up play but the opposition remained resolute in defence.
The introduction of Lemponye Tshireletso in place of Lebopo Moremi sparked some life in the team’s play. On the 74th minute, Morwalela on the turn saw his shot going over the bar. Simisane Mathumo came close just four minutes later but his header went wide off the post. In the referee’s additional minute, Kgaswane could have made it a double but Kabelo Dambe showed quick reflexes and blocked the shot with his feet.
The Reds held on to a goal advantage and knocked their city rivals out of the FA Cup. Rollers’ head coach Sergio Traquil said his side failed to capitalise on the numerous chances they had on the afternoon.
The teams:
Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Jackson Lesole, Simisane Mathumo,, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Onkarabile Ratanang, Thabo Wetshoemang, Segolame Boy, Lebopo Moremi (Lemponye Tshireletso), Shaun Gcumeni (Lemponye Tshireletso), Bame Morwalela, Mogakolodi Ngele
GU: Kagiso Semelamela, Alphord Velaphi, Tshepo Maikano, Kennedy Amutenya, Boyce Seeleko (Lebogang Ditsele), Mothusi Cooper, Karabo Phiri, Mpho Kgaswane, Thero Setsile, Sizwe Twala (Onkabetse Makgantai), Thatayaone Kgamanyane
Rollers 0 GU 1 (Kgaswane sixth)