Africa-Press – Botswana. Township Rollers’ latest signee, Thatayaone ‘Popo’ Ramatlapeng became the toast of his side by scoring the solitary goal as the Blues defeated Security Systems 1-0 for the second weekend in a row at the Royal Aria Stadium in Tlokweng on Sunday afternoon.
‘Popa’ as Rollers is fondly known, and the Alarm Boys, had concluded their FNB Premiership first round commitments at the same venue a week before, and started the second round by serving out a sense of deja vu, Ramatlapeng’s goal ensuring the same 1-0 result.
Ramatlapeng hesitated to shoot at goal, as Rollers went into the early attack a minute into the contest, and from the resultant counter attacking offensive transition play, Systems fired the first attempt, with Morgan Gaseitsewe shooting wide.
Moments later, Ramatlapeng supplied Segolame Boy whose attempt for Rollers went wide.
On the half hour mark, Gaseitsewe headed the ball off the line to clear a Rollers attack, and the two sides eventually went to recess goalless.
It took just six minutes into the second half for Rollers to break the deadlock, an overlapping Lemogang Maswena providing the assist for Ramatlapeng to convert from close range.
Systems introduced Viera Kazongominja to add potency to their play, to augment the lively young midfielder Shawn Theron’s efforts to feed sole striker, the veteran Kenanao ‘Flo’ Kgetholetsile.
Adorning the jersey number 41, perhaps a reminder to his younger opponents that he just celebrated his 41st Christmas, ‘Flo’, due to turn 42 this calendar year, proved an occasional handful for the Rollers defence.
Gaseitsewe missed a gilt edged chance to draw Systems level in the 56th minute, and 10 minutes later, Maswena saw his shot go narrowly wide on the other end.
Rollers came close to a cushion second goal 15 minutes from time; Mwampole Masule first blocking a Mbatshi Elias shot before debutant Lefa Leballo’s attempt to convert the rebound went wide.
Rollers’ shot stopper, Kabelo Maphakela, was forced to display reflexes in the 80th minute to keep Systems at bay.
Popa’s victory moves them to 33 points, equal on points with top of the log TAFIC FC, ‘Popa’ staying second with an inferior goal difference.
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