Last season, Township Rollers started the league campaign like a house on fire and finished the first round on an impressive note. Most of the Rollers supporters were already predicting that they will emerge champions come end of the season. However, when the league was reaching the critical and climax stage, wheels started coming off and the team started to drop crucial points. Unexpectedly, Rollers found themselves trailing Mochudi Centre Chiefs ÔÇô a team which too k advantage of their slump in form.
As the league headed towards the end, Rollers found themselves in third position after Orapa United went past them. Rollers finished on the third position, much to the disappointment of their supporters. As if that were not enough, Rollers could not defend The Mascom Top 8 tournament as they lost to Gaborone United in the finals. When the season ended the team management went all the way and reinforced the team by buying quality players in Botswana, most of whom are of international pedigree.
Some of the positions in the team are challenging as there are three to four first-rate players fighting for it. Even the coach might have selection headaches because almost every player who is given a chance to prove themselves does his best. Rollers has also started the current league campaign on a positive note, and is so far the only team that is yet to lose a game. Rollers are also leading second placed, BDF XI by four points. Many people especially the team supporters are wondering if the team will soldier on to the end and be crowned champions or they will once again falter where it matters the most like what transpired last season.
The major difference this time around between the current team and the former Rollers team is the caliber of players they have managed to bring on board. Rollers did not just bring the numbers, but most of the players have played football at the highest level. For instance, Rollers managed to bring on board, Kabelo Dambe to the goal keeping department. As the first choice goalkeeper of the national team and having also played at South Africa Premier League, he has brought stability at back. Dambe joined Rollers from Platinum Stars and is mostly renowned for making those match winning saves. Also at the back is no nonsense man marker, Mogogi Gabonamong who joined Rollers from South African side, Bloemfontein Celtics. Gabonamong can play as a central defender and a defensive midfielder and is also a bone crush tackler. Up front Rollers have another experienced Joel Mogorosi who also joined the club from Bleomfontein Celtic. Mogorosi is famous for scoring crucial goals at both national and team level. By joining Rollers the speedy winger has provided much needed impetus to the team. This generally means, the Premier League title is in Rollers hands to lose.
