Money is there – Rollers’ new man
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday July 20, 2024 06:00
Sebata of Sebata Group has acquired 80% shares at Rollers and assumes control of the most successful football club in the country for the next five years. He replaces Jimmy Haskins Kereng, who left the post after just a year. Kereng had replaced Jagdish Shah, who enjoyed a fruitful spell with the Blues. Sebata was introduced to local journalists on Thursday in Gaborone and among the burning question was how much he had acquired the shares for.
The new Rollers' man did not reveal the numbers but assured that his wallet was big enough to sustain the club. 'I am not trying to avoid the question but what am I trying to say is that relax, the funds are there but I cannot tell you how much. Obviously, it is an agreement between me and the club unless you are saying you want me to give you our bank statement, which I think is not necessary. This session is for that, the club is in good hands, and everybody is happy. Of course, it is a big investment. I think you are going to see that as we are taking over the club,' said Sebata. The businessman is relatively unknown on the local scene but according to information provided by the club, Sebata is the founder and chief executive officer of Sebata Group. The company has been trading in South Africa for 10 years and provides luxury coaches services, security and cargo handling services.
Sebata expressed his excitement about joining Rollers as he promises to lift the record league champions to greater heights. 'It is indeed an honour for me to be here and to be given an opportunity to lead this club. I am inspired by the dedication you have put into what the club has become today. We have a mission to make a positive contribution to the personal, social and technical development of our players. We also have established a soccer academy for boys and girls from the age of 10. We want to target development from grassroots and then export talent to other leagues in the world,' Sebata said. In the previous season, Rollers struggled to find some stability as the club admitted that it was facing cash flow challenges. Despite off-the-field struggles, Rollers finished second in the league, missing the title by just a point. The team was knocked out of the quarterfinal of the Orange FA Cup, stretching their cup drought to five seasons.