Four-Time Champs, Popa Crowned Again
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 27, 2019 12:12
Playing in front of a fair crowd, as early the fifth minute, Tumisang Orebonye found Joel Mogorosi inside but the latter’s headed effort went straight into the keeper’s hands. Two minutes on the other end, Kekaetswe Moloi had his shot saved by Keeagile Kgosipula.
The Jungle Kings came close once again with Hendrick Moyo trying from outside the box but Kgosipula once again saved on the 21st minute. During end-to-end attacks in early stages of the game, Lesego Bosekeng superbly denied Maano Ditshupo from close range on the 24th minute. Two minutes, later Popa were awarded a penalty after Tonderai Nyakunba handled the ball but Bosekeng denied Mogorosi from the spot. Moments later, Motsholetsi Sikele put in a teasing cross in to the box but Bosekeng dealt with the ball before Galabye Moyana saw his effort going over the bar as the two sides went in to the break level at 0-0.
In the second half the pace of the match picked up slightly and there were a few chances on either end of the pitch as Mogorosi and Orebonye were the main culprits on the Rollers’ side while Moloi missed a couple of chances for the Jungle Kings.
Retiring, Tshepo “Talk Talk” Motlhabankwe was given the last bow in the last 15 minutes in what could be the last match of his decorated career. The full back was received by cheers from both ends of the stadium. However the two teams failed to produce any chance at goal with Rollers finishing the league as champions with 68 points while Police occupies the fourth spot with 53 points.
“For a game of this magnitude where the other the team has won the league we did not see any sparks. Rollers are champions and they did not want anything much on the game as they wanted to wrap it up. But we played well, we improved this season. The boys deserve a pat on the back, we will surely compete for next season,” Police’s coach Mike Sithole said after the game.
His counterpart, Rollers’ Rodolfo Zapata was not happy with the team’s display on the day but lauded his troops of winning the title.
Rollers: Kgosipula, Sikele, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Ofentse Nato, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Ditshupo, Mothusi Cooper, Moyana, Segolame Boy (Lemponye Tshireletso), Orebonye, Mogorosi, Tshireletso (Motlhabankwe)
Police XI: Bosekeng, Katlego Masole, Letsweletse Leririma, Nyakunba, Betsho Pius, Tapiwa Gadibolae, Eliphas Nymabi (Letumile Molebatsi), Hendrick Moyo, Moloi, Thabiso Batang, Uyapo Seleka
Rollers 0
Police 0