Township Rollers have opted to exclude South African stars Thabo Rakhale and Tsepo ‘Skhwama’ Matete from their squad as they gear up for the highly anticipated 2024-2025 football season. This strategic decision is part of the club’s efforts to finalize its roster ahead of the competitive battles that lie ahead.
At a press briefing on Friday evening, Rollers’ head coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote, articulated that the exclusion of the two players stemmed primarily from persistent injury issues. He mentioned that their status would be reevaluated at the mid-season mark, specifically during the January transfer window. “I am entirely satisfied with the players we have at our disposal. While I do not recall releasing any key contributors, Rakhale and Skhwama have been sidelined by medical setbacks. They have been de-registered, meaning we will monitor their recovery and readiness by January, at which point we may consider reintegrating them. For now, we have concluded our market activities and are content with our current squad. We are fully prepared for the challenges ahead, and I am confident that our capabilities will be evident on the field,” Mpote remarked.
His statements followed a narrow 1-0 defeat to their longstanding rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, in a pre-season friendly at Royal Aria Stadium. This loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, and it remains uncertain whether Rakhale and Matete will rejoin the squad, especially given that the club has already maxed out its foreign player quota. In the recent transfer window, Rollers bolstered their ranks with several new signings, including South African Onkemetse Makhura, Zimbabwean Tapiwa Nyamanjiva, Namibian striker Ambrosius Amseb, and two players from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djo Ntambwe and Dina Diwanga. With these additions, alongside Namibian midfielder Marcell Papama, the squad now comprises five foreign players, hitting the league’s designated limit. Notably, Nyamanjiva has been registered as a local player after spending nearly a decade in Botswana.
In the match on Friday, Rollers showcased a blend of new talent, with Nyamanjiva, Botshelo Mangena, Ntambwe, and Lemogang Maswena featuring in the starting lineup. Congolese player Dina Diwanga made his debut in the second half, substituting for Maswena. Unfortunately, Rollers succumbed to a solitary goal, with Chiefs’ latest addition, Pako Gaofose, converting a penalty in the 25th minute.
Looking ahead, Township Rollers are poised to commence their FNB Premiership campaign against fierce rivals Gaborone United on Friday evening at the National Stadium. This encounter will be a significant test for the team as they strive to make a formidable impact in the new season, while navigating the ramifications of the recent roster adjustments.
