The club, this week confirmed that they have been working on long-term investment and commercial plans.
The club membership will be made aware of the plans and leadership changes expected to follow. Prestige Parlors Group's Kereng became the club's majority investor and president following the departure of Jagdish Shah after a decade-long stay at the club. Popa are said to be heading for a second leadership change in as many years as the club continues to feel the pinch of Shah's departure.
Kereng, through the Prestige Parlors Group, joined the Rollers' family as a sponsor three years ago and took major control of the club last year. Responding to MmegiSport's enquiry, Rollers' public relations officer, Pako Lebanna said Kereng has helped the club to stabilise in the transitional period since Shah's exit and remains a large part of the club. "This has included, but not limited to, the acquisition of quality players; their remuneration; club office and vehicles; maintaining quality training, accommodation and transportation facilities; as well as establishing commercial partnerships such as with NTT Nissan. As Township Rollers we have greatly stabilised owing to his support and he remains a part of the club," Lebanna said.
The club is to meet its membership in June and Rollers will announce to the public if there are any developments.
Reports are that the record league champions are having a torrid time off the field. The club admitted to cash flow challenges in December and is said to be struggling to pay players' salaries. Rollers' players are said to have received their April salaries late and it was not the first time this season.
The financial constraints at the club are seen as the reason for the team's struggles on the field. Rollers have fallen behind in their league championship pursuit while the team was also knocked out of the Orange FA Cup at the quarterfinal stage. The Blues face an injury crisis and head coach, Innocent Morapedi, said the persisting injuries have impacted the team's performance this season. "While there have been constraints in running a club as big as Rollers, the club has consistently met player payment obligations as well as the rehabilitation of player injuries.
We have our own internal medical team and physical trainers who work on players’ rehabilitation and where necessary we utilise external medical resources and institutions at a cost," said Lebanna. He further noted that there are financial struggles across the domestic football environment but Rollers have maintained highly competitive wages and give players a professional environment to work in.
"We admittedly have faced some challenges, and engage in honest dialogue with our players and the technical team. We assure our members and the public at large that we are continually working towards long-term financial sustainability for Rollers," said Lebanna. The club is going for a fifth consecutive barren season and Lebanna said Rollers would evaluate the future of Morapedi at the appropriate time. Several senior players are also said to be heading for the exit door, as Popa look for young talents in the next transfer window period.
