For the first time this season, Mapalastina shot to the top of the beMOBILE Premier League after they beat Nico United 2-1 in an exciting match played at Molepolole Sports Complex last Sunday.
While the team’s Managing Director Jagdish Shah appreciates the effort which his side is putting on the field, he maintains that they can do better.
“Last season we were lucky to win the League [after BDF XI were docked six points by Premier League for taking football matters to Court]. I want us to stamp authority and lift the trophy. Yes, I know there are going to be challenges along the way considering that we’ll be playing in Africa (CAF Champions League) and some of our players will be called to do national duty but we’ve to show character. The most important thing is for us not to lose focus on what we want to achieve,” said Shah in an exclusive interview.
Mapalastina are yet to lose a game this season having won six games and drawn two. The last time Rollers lost a League match was when they were beaten by Motlakase 2-0 at SSKB Stadium almost 12 months ago.
This is despite some fans dismissing the technical team which is led by Zimbabwean tactician Madinda Ndlovu.
“The good thing is that we’ve got a strong technical team which works together as a unit. I’ve got no qualms about the coach or any member of the technical team. When you’ve got a situation whereby your staff work well as team and there are no issues, you can be rest assured that you’ll achieve your dreams. They are also maintaining a good discipline and credit must also go to the manager (Motshegetsi Mafa) who ensures that everything runs smoothly,” Shah added.
The business tycoon confirmed that when the transfer window opens in January, they will go into the market and beef up their squad.
At least five players which include Jerome Ramatlhakwana, Galabgwe Moyana, Dirang Moloi, Elvis Meleka and Pontsho Moloi have all been linked to the Blues. American-based Edwin Moalosi is also expected to link up with the Blues in two months’ time something which has excited the businessman.
Ramatlhakwana has already started training with Mapalastina. “It is no secret that we’re great admirers of JJ (Ramatlhakwana) and I must thank Mochudi Centre Chiefs that even though they were interested in the player, they managed to help us facilitate his move from DRC where he has been playing. It is unfortunate that we couldn’t get his papers right before the August transfer window closed but we’re certain that in January he’ll be leading our attack. As for other transfers it is too early to say who we want,” said Rollers’ boss.
Shah said with Ramatlhakwana, Manqoba Ngwenya, Jerome Louis and Sekhana Koko in the team, he has no doubt that his side will be unstoppable. “Shakes [Ngwenya] is losing a bit of kilos and he’s working hard at training which is a plus for us. With JJ, Louis and Shakes all in fine shape we’ll be able with the pressure of playing in three different competitions [Premier League, Mascom Top 8 and CAF Champions League]. It is also a blessing that in December Koko would have recovered full from his fractured shoulder injury,” he said.
Shah has once again appealed to Rollers’ supporters to continue rallying behind the team. He said that they are working tirelessly to create a ‘monster’ which will be unstoppable in local football.
“There is no doubt that there are still some pending issues (High Court case regarding the ownership of the club), but it is important not to let boardroom politics to divide us. There is no individual who is bigger than the institution that is called Rollers. I might not be there tomorrow but the supporters must know the importance of rallying behind the club through thick and thin,” he said.
