Tshepo Molwane
11 March 2008
Township Rollers' coach Dickson Ngwenya believes that his players must deliver in the remaining nine matches to improve their position on the log.
The Zambian was speaking in disappointment after Rollers settled for a 1-1 draw against Notwane in a Mascom Premier League game at the National Stadium on Sunday.
After watching his side squandering numerous chances, Ngwenya had reason to be dejected. "I was very disappointed in that game because after working hard, we messed up and let Notwane to equalise. It is like we have lost that game," Ngwenya told Mmegi Sport. He said that his players need to concentrate in the dying minutes of the game and avoid conceding goals which deny them victory.
Against BDF XI and Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Mapalastina conceded goals in referee's optional time to settle for draws when victory was within reach. After the draw against Notwane, Rollers are sitting in sixth position with 26 points from 21 games.
Ahead of a tricky date against ECCO City Greens at the Francistown Stadium on Saturday, Ngwenya has told Mmegi Sport that they need to be more composed. "We have to work on our composure because the chances we miss come back to haunt us. At the moment, all we have to do is to encourage the players because we cannot sign anymore," he said.
Ngwenya admitted that there is a need to rebuild the team in the coming season if they want to compete for top honours. "Next season, we will have to bring players who will deliver," he said.
Since the departure of Sekhana 'Nandos' Koko, Onalethata Tshekiso and Kaone Molefe during the January transfer window, Rollers have become thin upfront.
With the likes of Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping and Bernard Semakwezi undergoing a rough patch, Rollers have been relying on Thapelo 'Pepe' Balepi, Zulian Phiri and Joel Mogorosi to score the goals.
On Sunday, both Rollers and Notwane failed to live up to expectations to the disappointment of the fans. Rollers could have taken the lead in the ninth minute but Balepi's effort was cleared off the line by Barcos Mosimanegape.
A minute later, Semakwezi made up for the missed chance, when he beat the offside trap to score.
In the 16th minute, Notwane goalkeeper Mompoloki 'Wrist' Sephekolo did well to deny Amos 'Shoes' Godirwang from outside the box. Minutes before halftime, Sephekolo was at it again when he stopped Semakwezi in his tracks.
Both sides continued to huff and puff in the second half. Notwane tried their best to get an equaliser but luck was not on their side till the 86th minute when referee Lekgotla Johannes awarded them a penalty. Captain Barnes Radipotsane levelled the scores, easily beating goalkeeper Goitseone Morake.
Rollers' youngster Edwin Olerile failed to seal victory in the 88th minute when he fired over the bar with the goalkeeper at his mercy.
In referee's optional time, Notwane's demands for a penalty were waved off after Dirang Moloi was brought down in the box.
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