Rollers release Phiri, Kasongo

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Thursday June 26, 2008 00:00

 

Speaking to Mmegi Sport on Tuesday, Rollers' spokesperson Molatlhegi Mangole confirmed that the two players have been put on the transfer list. He revealed that their contracts were expiring and the team decided not to renew them. Phiri joined Rollers from Mochudi Centre Chiefs and immediately made an impact but he started to make rare appearances for the first team last season. He was linked to Gaborone United (GU) in the last transfer window but the transfer never materialised. His countryman, Kasongo was also seen as one of the most gifted midfielders in the league and his release might come as a shock to some supporters especially since he played a crucial role after returning from a lengthy injury. His career at Rollers however has been hampered by injuries since he joined the team while still under the tutelage of Nico United mentor, Madinda Ndlovu.

Mangole also said that they will welcome any enquiries from teams regarding the two players but stated that so far they have not received any offers. 'We have not yet received anything from teams regarding the players probably because the transfer window has just opened,' he said. He said that the release of the players was partly based on the fact that the local teams are now required to register only three foreign players. Currently, the Gaborone giants have only one foreigner - Zambian striker Bernard Semakwezi on their books. Mangole said that the duo's departure will give them a chance to get two more foreign players if the need arises.

At the time of the interview, Rollers had not made any signings though Notwane striker Langson Sichola and TASC striker Terrence Mandaza are currently training with them. The addition of Sichola in the Rollers striking force might be welcome with open hands by the die-hard supporters of Mapalastina since they struggled to get the goals last season.
The departure of their top marksman Onalethata Tshekiso for studies in South Africa also crippled them. However, Tshekiso, together with Kaone Molefe might play for Rollers in the Orange Kabelano Charity Cup. The duo are currently training with the team since they are on a short vacation. While Rollers have been linked with a number of players who are seen as potential signings, Mangole could only tell Mmegi Sport that it could be possible that they will not be using new players during the Kabelano Cup. He said that since it is the procedure to write to the teams and inform them about their interests in their players, it is likely that at the time, the teams might not have replied as yet since the window has just opened. At the time of the interview, Mangole was unaware of any letters his team might have received inquiring about their players. 'At the moment, I have not heard anything though the letters get through the secretary first,' he said.

The likes of strikers Moemedi Moatlhaping and Lesego Molemogi are said to be on some teams' shopping lists. By Tuesday however, most Rollers' players were available at training with the exception of the national team stars Boitumelo Mafoko, Joel Mogorosi and Moatlhaping.