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Botswana: Player Exodus At Rollers?
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Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
June 16, 2006
Posted to the web June 16, 2006
Tshepo Molwane
A player exodus is likely to hit Township Rollers after the club ends its Mascom Premier League assignments this weekend. The dethroned champions complete their season with tricky away games against TASC and relegated Mosquito at the Francistown Stadium tomorrow and Sunday respectively.
Sources inside Rollers' camp have indicated that most of the players have shown displeasure at the way things are handled at the club. It is said that some of the players are not happy sitting on the bench while others are not impressed by their new tactician, Madinda Ndlovu. Already, Mapalastina have released defensive midfielder, Mogogi Gabonamong, Phenyo Mongala and Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping to South African Premier League clubs. "Players are no longer committed to the cause of the club and I guess you could have realised that in the last 10 games of the season.
Only a few who have not been regulars have tried to impress when given a chance. That is why we've been able to register wins over Police XI and Gaborone United. It's not nice at the team anymore," said a source. Players who are reported to have indicated they might leave when the transfer window opens in a month's time are; Losika Moeng, Thapelo Balepi, Jackson Chikonde and Boniface Makolo. Moeng, Chikonde and Ma kolo have seen little action this season and their reasons of wanting out are perhaps justified.
But Balepi wrote a resignation letter to the management last month and has not given a response. Though he refutes it, the player is said to have fallen out of favour with the coaching team. Rollers is said to have stopped the speedy winger's monthly allowances. It is reported that Balepi is high on the wanted list of champions, Police XI and Mochudi Centre Chiefs and might cross over soon. Makolo who is in the Under-23 camp is reported to be fed up with his employers and will seek green pastures when the season opens. Though he is a natural left-footer, the highly-gifted star continues to play as an understudy to ageing Mmoni 'States' Segopolo and this is said to be frustrating him.
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Those close to Makolo say that the player wants more action next season and would not tolerate warming the bench when right-footed players are fielded. When contacted for comment yesterday, Rollers' managing director Somerset Gobuiwang said that they have not decided on who will be leaving and joining. "We'll wait for the transfer window and replace those who would be leaving. There are a number of players who have shown interest in joining us but it is too early to discuss the matter," he said.
Former TASC attacking midfielder, Boitumelo Mafoko is likely to wear Rollers' colours next season after spending some months on the sidelines. This comes after TASC said that Mapalastina did not follow the right channels in recruiting their star player during the last window. The matter was brought before the Disciplinary Committee and TASC won the case. Meanwhile, Rollers will hold trials from June 24-30 at their training ground in Gaborone West. Ndlovu told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the trials are open to anyone who is prepared to play for the Gaborone giants. "All those who're interested can come because we want to give everybody a chance countrywide. They must come early be cause I'll be starting the trials from 10am," said Ndlovu.
Though Rollers are interested in bringing some players for the new season, Ndlovu who is a highly-respected figure in Zimbabwe, said that the trials will help them spot some players who can lead the team to glory in the new season.
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