It was in 1993 during the finals of the lucrative Coca-Cola Cup when Rollers had sweet revenge against their archrivals, Gaborone United (GU). After suffering about three losses in a row, Rollers thrashed GU 4-1, and it was a game in which Desmond Molefhe scored a brace. Molefhe’s goals are still memorable because that victory also meant that Rollers won their first Coca Cola Cup. Molefhe has since retired from active football and his son, Kaone, has taken over the fort. When he joined Rollers at the beginning of the season, many doubted whether Kaone would actually emulate his father and build another strong legacy.
Kaone seems to have comfortably fitted well in his father’s boots because he also scored a memorable brace when Township Rollers walloped GU 3-0 at the National Stadium on Friday night. Kaone single-handedly destroyed GU with his flashing speed and second to none skills. He even operated well on the left flank where his father used to cause problems. Kaone scored the second and third goal after Onalethata Thekiso had put the team ahead in the second minute.
The second goal was marvelous for the youthful Kaone, who also plays for the national Under 23. It was a solo effort he engineered in the midfield and when he realised that the defence was in confusion, he unleashed a powerful shot that beat GU goalie, Kgosietsile Senjoba, hands down.
His second one was as a result of confusion inside the box following a rebound. He wasted no chance in slotting in to put the game beyond doubt.
Kaone could have even scored more goals had he utilised most of the chances that came his way, especially in the second half which did not produce any goal. Just like his father, Kaone looks to be on course to play for the senior national team, the Zebras, if he could maintain his performance. Since he can operate well on the left flank, the Zebras, who are in dire need of such a player would welcome him, especially now that their regular is out with an injury.
Nevertheless, it was a game in which Rollers put everything in and they looked sharp in almost all departments. The presence of youthful Edwin Olerile also added spark up front. He combined well with Zulian Phiri, who has since found his renowned form. Even in the midfield, Lesego Molemogi and Boitumelo Mafoko were at their best and made sure that GU’s danger men, Mosalagae Gaborone and Thandwa Moreki were kept under guard.
Upfront, the man known as Bulawayo Express, Sageby Sandaka, was also under strict guard from no nonsense Khomari Mothuba. Mothuba was all over Sandaka during the entire game. Mothuba’s work was made easier because Sandaka did not have enough supply from the midfield.
It was GU’s second consecutive loss by three goals without reply. Last week, Notwane walloped them.
Against Rollers, GU was missing the services of four of their top players. Seabo Gabanakgosi was on suspension, while Willie ‘Old John’ Mantu, Edmore Mufema and Captain Joseph Phetogo are injured. That resulted in the coach playing several players off their natural positions and they found it hard to cope. For instance, Itayi Gwandu was deep in the defence and left a void in the midfield. That meant Tshepho Molefhe, who normally partners with Gwandu, struggled because there was no body to do the leg work for him. Gwandu in return did not have it easy containing Rollers strikers like Molefhe and Thekiso. In the defence, a blind person could even have seen Phetogo’s absence. His command and organisation of the defence was solely missed. The only player who tried hard but to no avail was Gaborone. He even came close to scoring on about two occasions.
Gaborone United coach, Look Masomere, could not hide his disappointment. He said although he was missing the services of four key players, those who got in their places should have fought harder for the team. He, however, he said in the remaining games, he is going to work on the mistakes so that GU could be a better team next season.
“Honestly speaking, I hate losing, especially against big teams like Rollers and Notwane. But we will work on our mistakes and I can promise the supporters that I am on my way to build the best GU. If I can get all the material I want next season, this team is going to win something,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rollers senior official, Father Maphogo, heaped praise on his team. He said the team has been training hard and was not surprised with the score line. He also said the arrival of DR’s Oche Onyewadume helped most players to be physically fit.
