02 May 2022

The on form Security Systems had little problems thumping Township Rollers 2-1 to reach Orange FA Cup quarterfinals for the second time in history.

In what was billed as the biggest clash of the third round stage, Systems was the livelier and more attacking at Lobatse Sports Complex on Saturday.

Coach Solomon ‘Wire’ Kaelo’s team used tricky winger Letlhogonolo Chenjela and Takunda Sadiki to unlock the opponents defence.

The ‘Alarm Boys’ had the first sight of goal in the 15^th minute when Kenanao Kgetholetsile found Sadiki inside the six yard area, but the striker hesitated to shoot with goalkeeper Keeagile Kgosipula at his mercy.

Kgosipula then acrobatically tipped a stinging shot from Tawana Mbakile over the posts two minutes later.

Systems left winger Chenjela, combined with marauding left back Kitso Mangolo and Morris Rusivo to pile pressure on Rollers defenders Motsholetsi Sikele and Lebeau Binemo Madi.

Maano Ditshupo and Lobopo Moremi were forced to drop deep to shield their back four, something that gave Systems midfielders Thato Ogopotse and Mbakile space to control the midfield.

‘The Blues’ only managed to create their first chance in the 26^th minute when Ovella Ochieng fired wide a cross from Segolame Boy.

Kgosipula had to be alert again to clear another Systems effort off the line for a corner two minutes later. 

From the corner kick, captain Bophelo Macheng capitalised on poor marking by Mosha Gaolaolwe and company and headed his team into the lead.

After going ahead, Systems continued to pile pressure and nearly doubled the lead when Sadiki rattled the post in first half stoppage time after weaving past Lemponye Tshireletso.

Rollers introduced Bame Morwalela for the ineffective Mohammed Diallo at the beginning of the second half and showed some improvement, with Tlhalefo Molebatsi and Boy starting to test the Systems defence.

However, their half chances didn’t pose any threat to goalkeeper Mwampole Masule, who had an easy afternoon.

Ogopotse doubled Systems lead in the 64^th minute after Rollers failed to clear a long throw-in. Substitute Poloko Nkalolang wasted an opportunity to increase the lead late on after another sloppy defending.

Edwin Moalosi then scored a consolation goal for Rollers in stoppage time. 

The defeat means that Rollers have failed to reach the quarterfinals of the FA Cup for the first time since 2009. ENDS