Rollers financially drowning
Township Rollers FC has been working hard to secure long-term financial stability and a sustainable business model, after facing financial challenges and difficulties in paying their players on time. The club has been trying to recover from the loss of its long-time investor and president, JagDish Shah, who left mid-year.
Reports indicate that Rollers is facing financial difficulties, with some reports suggesting that the club is struggling to keep up with its financial commitments. While the extent of the club's financial troubles remains unclear.
Hearsay on the club's financial struggles has surfaced recently, with previous reports of late payments to players. These reports raise concern about the club's ability to manage its finances and fulfil its obligations to its players.
In response to reports of financial struggles, the club's Public Relations Officer, Pako Lebanna, has stated that player salaries are confidential and cannot be disclosed to the public. While it is unclear what exactly is happening behind the scenes, the club is unwilling to give any further details about the financial situation.
He stated that they are unable to comment on specific details but can confirm that the club will always honor its contractual obligations to its players and staff. He added that Township Rollers has a long history of consistently fulfilling its financial obligations and paying players on time.
“We can confirm that there was an issue of late payment for November, which the club executive committee addressed with the players and the technical team. We were able to reach an understanding, and the players are fully focused on their primary duty, which is training and competing in matches,” Lebanna mentioned.
He further said that the club's leadership is committed to ensuring all staff receive their salaries in accordance with their contracts, and that efforts are being made to ensure timely payments moving forward.
“In addition to timely payments, we are also working to ensure long-term financial stability and sustainability. We ask Rollers supporters and other stakeholders to remain calm and continue to support the club,” he said.
This publication has obtained copies of a series of correspondence between the club and its former president, in which the club alleges that it is owed funds from the Botswana Stanbic Money sponsorship. The club believes
that this money could be used to benefit the team. The letters suggest that the club is currently in a poor financial state.
In addition to the financial issues, the club is still waiting on its current season's merchandise and kits, which were reported to be delayed in South Africa and they have been unable to sell their new merchandise, something that they were looking forward to as part of the club revenues.