The Rollers ship seems to be slowly sinking.
Playing on Fridays at the Molepolole Sports Complex also seems to be ill-fated after losing 2-1to Uniao Flamengo Santos. Rollers’ loss to Santos follows another 2-1 loss to Police XI last week Friday.
Rollers had no body but themselves to blame for the loss as they missed several chances against vulnerable Santos.
This loss by Rollers now gives other title contenders, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Gaborone United and BDF XI, a boost.
Chiefs and GU are looking forward to stretch their lead while BDF wants to topple Rollers on position three.
The loss, however, did not go down well with most of Rollers supporters who pointed fingers at the referee of the day, Israel Malepa, and his assistant, Moora Silas, for some of the questionable decisions against their team. Most of their decisions left a lot to be desired.
Rollers is failing to find a winning combination because the coach, once again, dropped players from last week’s losing side, starting some on the bench.
Prolific goalscorer, Terrence Mandaza, started on the bench together with dribbling dynamo, Edwin Moalosi.
Somalian international, Mohammed Chawila together with Joel Mogorosi were the top men but finishing was their main undoing. Rollers easily opened up Santos defence but squandered a lot of chances.
Rollers’ defensive problems also seem to be far from over and they continue to make silly mistakes.
Zambian international, Timothy Phiri, did not even make the starting line-up but the replacements still disappointed.
Santos took the lead via Gabriel Ngele who pounced on a lose ball. Rollers defenders retreated and never bothered to tackle him; he, in turn, let go of a powerful grass cuter that did not give Rollers goalkeeper, Anthony Matengu, a chance.
Rollers tried to look for an equaliser but to little avail. Santos ended up extending their lead via Zimbabwean international, Fariscal Nyamunamwenda. The goal was actually a gift after Rollers midfielder Thebe Maiketso failed to clear what looked like an easy ball. It fell to Nyamunamwenda who wasted no chance and surrounded Matengu.
After the interval Rollers immediately made changes, bringing on Moalosi. He fought hard like a wounded lion and missed several clear cut chances much to the frustration of Rollers supporters. The young player did not give up but continued to fight until he was rewarded in the 63rd minute from a powerful shot inside the area. They tried to fight for an equaliser but continued to fluff golden opportunities.
Even the introduction of Terrence Mandaza did not bear any fruit as he was closely monitored by veteran defender, Pius Kolagano.
Despite the defensive blunders his teammates made, he fought hard to cover up for them.
Credit for Santos must also go to midfield dynamo, Vincent Phiri, who was a marvel to watch. Although he was under immense pressure from speedy Rollers midfielders, like Thapelo Balepi and Mogorosi, he stood his ground and distributed telling passes.
Before the game all eyes were on the youthful Santos striker, Mogakolodo ‘Tsotso’ Ngele.
Last week he single-handedly destroyed Extension Gunners when he scored four goals. On Friday, he could not find the back of the net but was, in most cases, a menace, especially when in possession outside the 18th area.
Hard tacklers, Khomari Mothuba and Oscar Ncenga, kept him at bay, but he had several of his shots missing the goalposts by just inches.
