Rollers weather the storm to stay atop
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday December 16, 2023 07:53
On Wednesday evening, Popa adeptly sidestepped boardroom issues to secure a 2-1 victory over rivals GU and claim supremacy in the derby. Reports indicate that the club has grappled with severe financial difficulties, resulting in delayed salary payments to players.
During the off season, the club underwent a change in leadership as Jagdish Shah, the erstwhile club president and investor of a decade, concluded his tenure. Jimmy Haskins Kereng assumed the mantle as club president and primary financier.
As anticipated by football pundits and fans, the club has recently encountered financial woes. For the third occasion this season, media reports this week suggest that the club failed to disburse end of November salaries to staff, prompting players to consider boycotting their duties.
Additionally, salary payments are reportedly delayed beyond the customary 'payday,' causing frustration among both the playing and support staff. The club's 2023-2024 merchandise and kits are reportedly stranded in South Africa, despite Popa being the inaugural club to unveil this season's replicas in June.
This week, the club issued an appeal to supporters, soliciting donations to sustain the team for the current season. Despite these external challenges, Rollers exhibited resilience on Wednesday evening, triumphing over cross-town rivals. When questioned by journalists about the club's developments, assistant coach Joel Mogorosi stated 'the talks are there and will always be there, and we will continue playing while they are talking'. 'This (win) is not a statement; our duty is here and we are going to compete,' he said.
Mogorosi and Oarabile Seabo deputised for head coach Innocent Morapedi, currently completing his CAF A licence course. Reflecting on the match, Mogorosi commended the team's fortitude amidst the swirling off-field narratives. 'The way they were playing against all the stories that are around, we are soldiers. I just want to say thanks to the 12th man; they came in to support me. You should see the mood; the lights went off, and you could see the reaction. I think this was a good advert for Botswana football.
The play, the supporters came in, and we say this is how we say thank you to them,' Mogorosi remarked. The team presently occupies the top position with 23 points, leading GU and Jwaneng Galaxy, who have played one and two fewer games, respectively.