Rollers’ shopping spree not over
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday July 8, 2023 06:00
The Blues were expected to have a tough off-season following the departure of former club president and investor, Jagdish Shah.
The business mogul has been the Rollers’ main financier with his departure expected to create some level of uncertainty within and around the country’s most famous football club.
However, Popa have managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat with the signing of eight senior team players. Rollers sent tongues wagging with the signing of South African winger, Thabo Rakhale while trickster, Tshepo ‘Skhwama’ Matete has returned to the club he left in 2018.
The two dribbling wizards' announcements on social media platforms were received with much fanfare as the club pushes the confidence levels ahead of the next season. In addition, the Blues have acquired former Pirates’ striker, Sphamandla Sangweni, Obonwe Maome from rivals Gaborone United (GU), and former Extension Gunners’ captain, Omphile Vissage.
Former Masitaoka full-back Tapiwa Sepatela, Godfrey Tauyatswala, and Letlhogonolo Chenjela formerly with BDF XI and Security Systems respectively have also joined the club. Interestingly, Popa managed to sign some of the most sought-after talents in the local league while the newly acquired South African trio is to help attract supporters back to the stadium. Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Rollers’ public relationship officer, Pako Lebanna said the club will remain active in the market as they look for further reinforcements. He said the defence is to be prioritised. “No (we are not done), we are still looking at strengthening the team,” Lebanna briefly said.
The record 16-time league champions are heavily linked with Zebras and Systems’ defender, Tebogo Kopelang and face stiff competition for the lanky defender’s signature from rivals, GU. Popa are desperate to return to greater heights after finishing a third consecutive trophy-less season, a rather rare occurrence for the Blues. Yesterday, the club confirmed the departure of Namibian duo, Terry Uiseb and Dennis Tjimauwe, alongside full-back Jackson Lesole, Bame Morwalela, Tlhalefo Molebatsi, Boyo Lechaena, and Thabo Bakwena.
Rollers are also nearing the appointment of a new head coach. Popa parted ways with Portuguese gaffer, Sergio Traguil just five months into the job. “We hope very soon we will conclude the process to allow the new coach to have pre-season preparations with the squad,” Lebanna said.