06 Nov 2022

Half-time substitute, Shaun Gcumeni, provided the creative spark as Township Rollers salvaged a 1-1 premier league draw with Police XI in Lobatse on Friday night.

Rollers aka Mapalastina looked short of ideas in the first half to unlock the Jungle Kings’ strong defence of Tonderai Nyakuba, Letsweletse Leririma, Chicco Molefe and Larona Modisaemang.

Despite controlling possession, Rollers’ attacks were laboured and they struggled to create scoring opportunities.

Their two opportunities in the opening 20 minutes were dragged wide by striker Terry Uiseb and blazed over the posts by midfielder Mogakolodi Ngele.

Poor marking by the Rollers defence allowed Police to break the deadlock in the 21st-minute through Pako Gaofose.

The striker, who was unmarked on the edge of the six-yards area, connected a cross from right-back Modisaemang and planted a beautiful header past goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe.

Ngele crashed a free-kick against the crossbar in the 43rd-minute as the hosts searched for the equaliser.

After coach Thabo Motang brought in Ototeng Dintwa and Gcumeni for the ineffective Lobopo Moremi and Marc Dion at the beginning of the second half, Rollers were all over the Jungle Kings with Gcumeni orchestrating things from midfield.

Uiseb placed a header over the posts and Motsholetsi Sikele shot straight at goalkeeper Lesego Bosekeng. Gcumeni then wasted a glorious opportunity in the 62nd-minute, shooting wide from close range after combining with Ngele.

The South African, however, atoned the miss 10 minutes later by dribbling past several Police defenders and placing a low pass that was tucked home by Segolame Boy.

Rollers were denied from a flurry of late chances by two goal-line clearances by Leririma and Nyakuba, and a miraculous save by Bosekeng from a header by Dintwa.

Rollers have now collected four points from two games.  

Police also have four points from two matches.

Police will take on Mogoditshane Fighters next weekend, while Rollers will visit BDF XI. ENDS