Black Forest make classy debut

BTC premiership rookies Black Forest put on a tremendous display in their debut against league champions Township Rollers when they played to a 2-2 draw over the weekend.

The stellar performance by the National First division champions left both Rollers supporters and players shell -shocked at the national stadium in Gaborone. The thoroughly entertaining encounter may have also come as a warning to rivals   in the super league to take the   rookies with utmost seriousness. Forest will meet another giant in Gaborone United   today at Molepolole Sports complex.  The Rollers vs. Forest   thriller saw the cheeky rookies fortifying a two-goal lead in the premature stages of the second half against the league champions Rollers. 

Although Rollers mastered a dramatic comeback, it was Forest that stunned their more fancied rivals in one of the most spectacular debuts in recent league history. Rollers started the game at a snail's pace with Forest exposing their lax backline.

The First Division champions looked hungrier and strived for a win in the early minutes of the game. With just 13 minutes into the game their intentions were clear, Lynoth Chikuhwa’s overhead kick was simply saved by Rollers shot stopper Kabelo Dambe after an interchange of passes through the midfield.

A hefty midfield scuffle emerged between Gofaone Mabaya and Ntesang Simanyana (Rollers). Mabaya came out tops, retaining and holding his head above the water against the experienced midfielders, directing and guarding the tempo of the game. Nevertheless, Forest continued with their rigorous up-tempo approach. Just 24 minutes into the game, the league debutants had defied all odds and found the back of the net through their painstaking talisman Chikuhwa.

Chikuhwa established a low cross from Maikano Maikano and left the rollers defenders for dead as he put a grass cutter to the far post. Rollers shot stopper, Dambe could only watch as the slow ball flew past. Early indications show that the rookies have proven to posses a strong midfield with short passing flair and skill. This sort of play proved difficult for Rollers who prefer playing long balls.