27 Nov 2022

 Gaborone United and Township Rollers settled for a one-all draw in a pulsating Gaborone derby at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The much anticipated derby between the two old-time rivals ignited the yesteryear spark that the fixture was known for.

The match lived up to its billing right from the start.

 Rollers flew out of the traps, racing into a 23rd minute lead from Segolame Boy’s header, but substitute Lebogang Ditsele ensured that the spoils were shared levelling for GU deep into stoppage time.

The tempo was relentless, action gripping and the momentum shifted from end to end the entire match duration, with Rollers  having an upper hand in the first half.

Popa’s multitudes of devotees sensed that GU were wobbling particularly in the right back position where Thatayaone Ramatlapeng was operating as a makeshift right back.

GU alia Moyagoleele, however, showed their mettle as they regrouped in the second half and dominated possession following the double substitutions of Ditsele and Tshepo Malgas for Mpho Kgaswane and Onkabetse Makgantai in the 70th minute.

Rollers had an abundance of game breakers and X-factor players on the bench and it came as no surprise when they introduced the experienced Mogakolodi Ngele and South African born Shaun Gcumeni with the hope to register victory.

Moyagoleele were far from their last year best early on but recovered to contribute to another high-quality encounter.

Rollers on one hand would feel they should have won it more, had not their defense led by captain, Simisane Mathumu and Moshe Gaolaolwe, been breached right at the end of the game.

The draw leaves the championship race intriguingly balanced though the league marathon  is still in its  infancy.

Both teams are among favorites to win the title.

In his post-match interview, GU’s assistant coach Pontsho Moloi credited his side for the ability to fight back and salvage a point.

“We are happy with the point, coming back from a goal down, against a good team such as Rollers was not a child’s play, but I am happy with the way my team responded especially in the second half of the game,” Moloi said.

Rollers coach Thabo Motang was, however, not so content with the result.  ENDS