Rollers reload their arsenal
Township Rollers, fondly referred to as Mapalastina, is leaving no stone unturned as they launch an ambitious recruitment campaign to bring an end to their trophy drought in the Botswana Football League (BFL) and Orange FA Cup.
The club's management and loyal supporters have voiced their deep concerns regarding the dearth of major titles in recent times, and their unwavering resolve is now focused on constructing a formidable team capable of challenging for silverware in the forthcoming season.
The taste of cup victory has become a distant memory for Township Rollers, with their last triumphant moment transpiring in 2018 when they secured a sensational 4-2 victory over their bitter adversaries, Orapa United, to clinch the Mascom Top 8. As for league dominance, the crown has eluded them since the 2017/2018 season. With an agonizing wait of nearly six years without any additions to their illustrious trophy cabinet, the club is burning with a fervent desire
to quench their insatiable thirst for success.
To bolster their chances, Township Rollers has been on a shopping spree in the transfer market. The club's primary objective has been to bring in a mix of young and experienced players, creating a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level. The infusion of new talent is expected to invigorate the squad, as players vie for starting berths under the watchful eye of the new coach.
Among the notable names in the team are Mosha Gaolaolwe, Motsholetsi Sikele, Mogakolodi Ngele, Segolame Boy, Jackson Lesole, Simisane Mathumo, Kabelo Maphakela, Onkarabile Ratanang, and Phenyo Serameng. These players anchoirs the squad with their wealth of experience and skill, enhancing Township Rollers' chances of success.
Furthermore, the club has recently secured the services of former Gaborone United midfielder, Obonwe Maome, as well as Godfrey Tauyatswala, Omphile Vissagie, Lethogonolo Chenjela, Tapiwa Sepatela, and Siphamandla Sangweni, and former Orlando Pirates winger, Thabo Rakhale among others. The influx of new talent is expected to inject fresh energy and competition within the team.
However, Township Rollers is not done with their recruitment drive just yet. The club is actively pursuing additional signings before the transfer window closes, further strengthening their squad for the challenges that lie ahead.
The ambitions of Township Rollers are clear - they are determined to end their trophy drought and reclaim their position as one of the dominant forces in Botswana football. With a revamped squad and a hunger for success, Mapalastina aims to mount a serious challenge for the Orange FA Cup and the league title in the upcoming season.
In an interview this week, Township Rollers spokesperson Pako Lebanna said that they have not yet set the target but with the new signings they are sure they will be looking to win the league title.
“Rollers hasn’t won anything since the outbreak of Covid -19, so we will be looking to change things for the better and bring trophies to the team; the new signings should bring that to us and the addition of Rakhale was made deliberately for the commercial aspect of the game, as he is an exciting player and will bring spectators to our games; besides that he is creative and purposeful in attack,” he said.
He added that Assistant Coach, Oarabile Seabo has retraced his steps back to the team and together with Motsholetsi Mafa have identified certain areas to beef up hence they are making all these signings, from the recommendations by the technical team.
“We want to blend in the likes of Vissage, Maome and Sepatela with the existing crop of talent like Mosha Gaolaolwe, Mogakolodi Ngele and Segolame Boy among other players.”