Township Rollers might be leading on the Premier League log but they are obviously regretting after losing prolific striker, Bernard Simakwenzi, to rivals Extension Gunners. Simakwenzi is now spitting fire and scores in almost every match.
On Sunday, he made history and signaled his intention for top goal scorer award by scoring four goals against Uniao Flamengo Santos. This comes after he also scored three goals in one match about a month ago against Jwaneng Comets.
He is now the leading goalscorer with nine goals, just one above near rival Terrence Mandaza of Rollers.
Extension Gunners, on the other hand, made history by beating their long time tormenters Santos, 4-1, in a crucial encounter at Molepolole Sports Complex.
For many years, “Mapantsola a Lobatse” had failed to beat the Gabane outfit. However, Gunners seem to be on a record-breaking spree this season, after last weekend’s beating of Police XI, one of the teams which have tormented them for many years.
They surprised many football fanatics as they willingly ravaged Santos defense.
From the first whistle, the match was slow paced, both teams tactically trying to convert their rare chances into goals. However, the merciless sun seemed to be working against them.
The duo of Monametsi “Sunday’ Kelebale and Bernard Simakwenzi was, as usual, a deadly combination, frequenting Santos defense minute after minute.
After a somewhat long lull, Santos’ ever goal hungry forward, Mogakolodi Tsotso Ngele, gave the Gabane boys a least expected lead against the Peleng boys.
A few minutes after Tsotso’s goal, Thato ‘Yellow’ Bolwelang nearly secured a second goal for Santos but the golden chance was wasted as the shot went wide to the far left post. ┬áBut the attempt at goal infuriated Gunners forward Simakwenzi, who equalized a few minutes later through a brilliant far shot from the left corner of the pitch.
The match went into break at a 1-1 tie. The Zambian striker, Simakwenzi, came back fully recharged in the second half, as he proved himself a nuisance for Santos defense.
After a brilliant far right cross from Ofentse Mmipi, Simakwenzi hammered the second goal home for Gunners.
Gunner’s winger, Finkie Mothibi, meanwhile continued to create good crosses for both Simakwenzi and Sunday who, despite being substituted twenty minutes before the end of second half, formed a deadly collaboration with Simakwenzi.
Less than ten minutes after the second goal, Simakwenzi sent a demoralization pulse through Santos camp through his third goal.
A few minutes after the third goal, Santo’s defense and their goal minder blundered and Simakwenzi capitalized on that, scoring his fourth and the highest number of goals scored by one player since the beginning of the first leg of the Be Mobile premier league.
Simakwezi owned the day, pocketing the P1000 man of the match incentive and toppling Rollers goal machine, Mandaza, as the top goal scorer. Gunner’s caretaker coach, Chico “Dance” Nare, could not hide his excitement for his team’s consistency and record breaking achievements, declaring: “Gunners has never beaten Police XI, but now we have done that and now we did the same to Santos. It is breaking records like this that gives them confidence.”
However, Chico remained gloomy when asked whether the be-mobile trophy would go to Peleng, saying, “It is too early to talk about winning the league.” Santos coach, Cleve Gunda, admitted his camp’s blunders, saying, “All the goals were giveaways. I blame the defense as much as the strikers; they didn’t do their job, but I accept the blame too.”
Meanwhile, in other games played over the weekend, Township Rollers maintained its lead by beating BMC 2-1; Gaborone United played to a 1-1 draw with Nico United, while the struggling giants, Notwane, played to a 2-2 draw with Boteti Young Fighters.
Chiefs staged a concert of goals as it walloped Taffic 4-1, newcomers Killer Giants lost 2-0 to BDF XI, while Ecco beat Motlakase 2-1.
Second to Rollers is Gunners with 16 points, followed by Nico United, which also has 16 points, but is behind Gunners on goal difference.
