Township Rollers have just penned one of the most significant commercial deals in the annals of Botswana football; a five-year technical sponsorship with Italy’s renowned sportswear brand, Diadora. This landmark agreement is set to breathe new vigor into the club’s operations and ambitions, signaling a fresh dawn for the Gaborone giants.
Unveiled with much anticipation this week, the deal carries an estimated value of P20 million over five years. Diadora’s contribution is no mere token; it encompasses match kits, training gear, and a full suite of technical apparel, collectively valued at roughly P4 million each season. Inside sources from the Rollers’ Executive Committee reveal that this partnership couldn’t have come at a more crucial juncture.
Mapalastina has weathered turbulent seasons marked by financial instability, unpaid player wages, and administrative upheavals. The pressure to rebuild the club’s commercial engine has never been greater. This agreement, insiders suggest, will ease day-to-day operational costs, allowing the club to funnel resources into football development, nurturing talent, and forging a squad ready to compete at the highest level.
Adding another layer to their commercial strategy, Rollers have secured a retail partnership with Options, which will serve as the official distributor of their merchandise across Botswana. Fans will soon find official jerseys and club gear stocked in 26 Options outlets nationwide, creating an unprecedented reach and a structured platform for generating revenue from the club’s passionate supporters.
The Options deal is expected to yield around P40,000 monthly, translating to nearly half a million pula annually; a solid boost to the club’s commercial revenue streams.
At the official launch, Township Rollers chairman Thapelo “Fish” Pabalinga emphasized that this partnership transcends a mere supply contract. “This long-term partnership is more than a supply agreement. It is a vote of confidence in our vision, our values and our ability to represent Township Rollers with pride, professionalism and passion on every field we step onto,” Pabalinga declared.
He underscored the significance of the five-year horizon, noting, “The stability of a five-year technical sponsorship allows us to plan with confidence, invest in talent development and expand our impact beyond football by creating more opportunities for young people to participate in sport and build brighter futures.”
Pabalinga also called on supporters to embrace this new commercial era by proudly purchasing official merchandise. “We are ensuring that our supporters from the smallest village to the largest town can proudly wear the Township Rollers badge. This partnership strengthens the bond between the club and the community while creating a more efficient and accountable retail system.”
Yet, amid this commercial triumph, a cloud still looms over Rollers’ sporting ambitions. The club remains entangled in a bitter dispute with former head coach Abdelaziz Karkache over unpaid salary arrears – a saga that has triggered a FIFA-imposed transfer ban.
WeekendSport has learnt that the outstanding claim against the club is close to USD 70,000, dating back to Karkache’s tenure. Since 22 October 2025, the FIFA sanction has barred Rollers from registering new players across three transfer windows, severely limiting their ability to bolster the squad.
With the new season on the horizon, resolving this impasse has become a pressing priority. Pabalinga has reportedly enlisted the help of former Zebras coach Adel Amrouche, who shares a close rapport with Karkache, to broker a settlement. The club is working on a payment plan aimed at satisfying the former coach and persuading FIFA to lift the transfer restrictions.
As Rollers embark on this new chapter, the blend of commercial muscle and strategic resolution could well define their path back to footballing glory.