Sport

TOP OF THE TABLE DAMP SQUIB

 

TOP OF THE TABLE DAMP SQUIB
Boitumelo Khutsafalo
Staff Writer
T
he long awaited top of the table Premier League clash between arch-rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers failed to produce a goal at the National Stadium yesterday. 
A lot was at stake with both sides desperately looking for points and bragging rights but the match failed to live up to expectations. Both sides failed to string passes together and lost possession easily. 
There were no surprises in the starting line-ups. Rollers welcomed back Manqoba Ngwenya from suspension, relegating speedy winger, Kobamelo Kebaikanye to the bench. Chiefs on the other hand preferred, Raphael Nthwane ahead of number one goalkeeper, Mompoloki Sephekolo. Nthwane made a brilliant save in the dying minutes of the game, justifying his selection ahead of Sephekolo. 
Chiefs tried to take control of the match in the first half although their decision making upfront was not up to scratch. They got the first chance but Rollers' goalkeeper, Mwampule Masule, who has improved tremendously, was equal to the task, parrying away Bonolo Fraizer's attempt. 
Rollers were forced to make an early substitution following right back, Obonye Moswate's injury with just under 20 minutes played. Simisane Mathumo replaced him. Just before halftime, Rollers got a rare scoring opportunity in the match. Ngwenya tried to beat Nthwane at the far post but the custodian stretched well and tipped the ball out for a corner. 
Immediately after the restart, Masule was called into action and parried away a stunning free kick by Fraizer. A lot was expected in the second half but the match once again fizzled into a dull affair. Both teams failed to make the right decisions with the ball and lost possession easily. Both teams tried to make substitutions to try and win the game in vain. Onalethata Tshekiso came in for Othusistse Pilane. Chiefs later introduced Kekaetswe Moloi who has just returned from a short stint with South African side, Polokwane City. He replaced Fraizer. Lesego Galenamotlhale also came in. Rollers on the other hand brought in Kebaikanye and Gofaone Tiro who forced a brilliant save from Nthwane a few minutes after coming in. The draw leaves Rollers at the top of the log standings while Chiefs remain second.   

A lot was at stake with both sides desperately looking for points and bragging rights but the match failed to live up to expectations. Both sides failed to string passes together and lost possession easily. There were no surprises in the starting line-ups. Rollers welcomed back Manqoba Ngwenya from suspension, relegating speedy winger, Kobamelo Kebaikanye to the bench. Chiefs on the other hand preferred, Raphael Nthwane ahead of number one goalkeeper, Mompoloki Sephekolo.

Nthwane made a brilliant save in the dying minutes of the game, justifying his selection ahead of Sephekolo. Chiefs tried to take control of the match in the first half although their decision making upfront was not up to scratch. They got the first chance but Rollers' goalkeeper, Mwampule Masule, who has improved tremendously, was equal to the task, parrying away Bonolo Fraizer's attempt. Rollers were forced to make an early substitution following right back, Obonye Moswate's injury with just under 20 minutes played. Simisane Mathumo replaced him. Just before halftime, Rollers got a rare scoring opportunity in the match. Ngwenya tried to beat Nthwane at the far post but the custodian stretched well and tipped the ball out for a corner. 

Immediately after the restart, Masule was called into action and parried away a stunning free kick by Fraizer. A lot was expected in the second half but the match once again fizzled into a dull affair. Both teams failed to make the right decisions with the ball and lost possession easily. Both teams tried to make substitutions to try and win the game in vain. Onalethata Tshekiso came in for Othusistse Pilane.

Chiefs later introduced Kekaetswe Moloi who has just returned from a short stint with South African side, Polokwane City. He replaced Fraizer. Lesego Galenamotlhale also came in. Rollers on the other hand brought in Kebaikanye and Gofaone Tiro who forced a brilliant save from Nthwane a few minutes after coming in. The draw leaves Rollers at the top of the log standings while Chiefs remain second.