Township Rollers' coach, Rahman Gumbo has launched a scathing attack on assistant referee Phodiso Rasetsoga for denying his side a victory with some controversial decisions in the second half of their Be Mobile Premier League game against TAFIC at the UB Stadium on Saturday.

The dramatic game ended 1-1, something which saw Mapalastina remaining on the third position with 17 points from nine games.

Gumbo said had it not been for some inconsistent officiating from Rasetsoga, they could have gone home with maximum points. "The last ball came off the goalkeeper and there was no how it could have been ruled offside.

The referee (Tebogo Ramocha) should have stamped his authority if his assistant made such a ruling," he said. An irate Gumbo had to be stopped by Rollers' officials from attacking Rasetsoga after the game.

The Zimbabwean tactician then headed straight to the dressing rooms without granting the media interview. Efforts by Premier League officials and others to come for television interview bore no fruits and goalkeeper coach Thabo Motang had to fill in. Gumbo's antics did not go down well with some people and said that the Premier League has to charge any coach who refuses to grant the media interviews after the game.

But Gumbo has defended his actions of heading straight to the dressing rooms, "at the time I was upset and I was bound to say things which were wrong on the national television. Now I have cooled off." On the red cards, which were given to two defenders Kgomari Mothuba and Oscar Ncenga, the tactician continued, "I do not have any problem with them especially the first one.

The second one, I am not sure about it." Gumbo added that before they travel to ECCO City Greens on Saturday, they would have to come up with a plan to replace the two defenders.

He was quick to point out that Rollers have a pool of players who can come in at any time when there is need. Gumbo observed that his side was not sharp as they were supposed to be against TAFIC and expected to rectify that before their visit to Francistown. Strikers Terrence Mandaza and Mohamed Chawila had clear-cut chances in the game but lack of composure saw them fluffing them chances away.

Motang added, "the game was tough for us, we misused our chances and we ended up paying heavily.

I would not blame them (referees) and instead ourselves. Referees are human beings and are bound to make mistakes." TAFIC coach Willard Khumalo said that his side gave their best shot but pointed out that the Christmas break had a negative impact on their preparations for the game. Khumalo did not want to comment on the officiating.

TAFIC also had defender Lovemore Mokgweetsi sent off late in the game after a foul on Rollers' substitute, Edwin Moalosi. On Sunday, TAFIC host Boteti Young Fighters at the Francistown Stadium.