Chiefs, Roller go ghetto
This Saturday, Mochudi Centre Chiefs hosts Township Rollers at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in a blockbuster FNB Premiership clash that promises to be more than just another chapter in one of Botswana’s fiercest rivalries. As two of the country’s footballing heavyweights lock horns, the encounter will showcase contrasting fortunes, with Chiefs riding a wave of stability and Rollers battling to rediscover their dominance amid off-field challenges.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs, under the guidance of head coach, Pontsho 'Piro' Moloi, enters the match in solid form. Magosi have been a competitive force in the early rounds of the 2025/26 FNB Premiership, sitting comfortably in the upper half of the table in fourth place. Their recent performances, marked by hard-fought wins and gritty draws, reflects a team that’s tough to break down. Moloi, a former Magosi player who took the reins in the previous season, has instilled a pragmatic philosophy of compact defending, disciplined midfield play, and clinical counter-attacks. Fans have taken note of the team’s organization and the seamless blend of experienced players with dynamic new additions up top. Moloi’s focus on game management will be crucial as Chiefs aim to exploit Rollers’
vulnerabilities and assert themselves as genuine contenders this season.
Township Rollers, Botswana’s most decorated club, arrive in Francistown under pressure. Off-field instability, including financial struggles and an interim committee steering the club, has cast a shadow over their campaign. Despite these challenges, Serbian coach, Srdan Zivojnov is tasked with restoring discipline and tactical clarity. Zivojnov has a squad brimming with individual quality but hampered by distractions. Rollers’ players will need to block out the noise, reports of unpaid wages and organizational upheaval to deliver on the pitch. With an impatient fanbase and opponents sensing blood,
Rollers must show they can translate talent into results, starting this weekend.
The match is set to be a tactical chess game. Chiefs’ organized, counter-attacking style will aim to frustrate Rollers’ creative players, cutting off supply lines to their forwards and exploiting transitions on the flanks. Rollers, under Zivojnov’s early influence, will look to impose structure and assertiveness while avoiding exposure to Chiefs’ quick breaks. Key battles in midfield, where Chiefs will aim to dominate possession through players like Kutlwelo Mpolokang and Gilbert Baruti, on the wings through the likes of Tefo Mofokeng and Ronald Fortune, where pace could prove decisive, are likely to shape the outcome. Rollers’ set piece defending, a noted weakness this season, will also be under scrutiny against a Chiefs side eager to capitalize.
On the other hand, Popa will bank on the experience of Simisane Mathumo and Mosha Gaolaolwe, who will be pivotal in helping the team build from behind. In midfield Omphile Vissage is likely to partner Mothusi Cooper in efforts to win midfield battles while Godfrey Tauyatswala and Thatayaone Ramatlapeng will lead the Popa attacks.