An angry Township Rollers’ head coach Nikola Kavazovic could be in trouble following his post-match utterances towards both the Botswana Football Association and their Sunday afternoon opponents Sharps Shooting Stars.
Two second half goals from Man-Of-The-Match Edwin Moalosi and Mthokozisi Msomi saw off a combatant Stars that had come into the match with a clear plan to stop Rollers from playing, with most of the match characterised by rugby-style of tackling. The Rollers’ coach pulled no punches in especially attacking their opponent s for what he deemed negative football in a match Joel Mogorosi had to be pulled off in the early stages of the first half following a rough tackle from behind.
Nothing was going to stop the Rollers coach from saying his mind as he went on to say he was ready for any form of punishment from the local football governing body, even if they are to fine him for what he said about the game.
“ A team that was brave to suffer more pain, more punches, more kick boxing hits as well as too late tackles from behind won the match and the team that was punching, hitting, destroying the game and breaking Joel Mogorosi’s leg lost. One team was playing football while the other came here to fight. I hope they are the only team the league has that destroys football. I am taking this opportunity, no matter what punishment may be meted on me to pay money – they might do that – to urge the BFA and all those responsible to protect our players and their skills because what happened today was an attack on my players. Now Joel Mogorosi, a legend of Botswana football, has paid the price because of teams like this whose name I don’t even know,” said Kavazovic.
The livid coach repeated his vitriol on Stars that it was a small team whose name he did not even know, adding that he was not surprised as such is to be expected against the champions. Rollers are the defending champions of the BTC Premiership that this weekend entered the fifth round for the 2017/18 season. The coach said: “I want to honour my players because today we demonstrated that we are the best team in the country and that we are going to win all trophies this season.”
Rollers have since won all their five games in the league, giving them a maximum 15 points ahead of their next big encounter against bitter rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Incidentally, the last time Rollers lost a match was last November when they were beaten 3-2 by the same Chiefs side.
Rollers hit the ground running as Joel Mogorosi saw his shot hit the upright in the first minute. Within minutes Edwin Moalosi forced a save from Stars’ keeper Raphael Nthwane. Mogorosi’s run in the game would be halted in the 12th minute when a rough tackle on him left him injured and had to be replaced by Boy Lechaena. Throughout the game, Stars played both ball plus man in an effort to frustrate the marauding Popa, but all failed when Rollers took control in the second half.
Stars’ coach Pio Paul on the other hand blamed their loss on poor officiating of the game. “Our refereeing in Botswana is horrible, especially when you play big teams like Rollers. But I am happy with the performance of my players. You can’t compare the quality of Rollers to that of our team. We are still building and we will come up,” said Paul.
Mthokozisi Msomi celebrates his goal against Sharps this Sunday afternoon
rollersfc.com
