Township Rollers’ owner Jagdish Shah cannot hide his excitement at the fact that his team won the premier league title in his first term as shareholder. He is a man overwhelmed with joy and, though it was not easy, he is proud of his charges and he looks forward to an improved performance in the upcoming season.
After accumulating 64 points, Rollers were crowned champions on the last day of the 2013/14 premier league season, three points ahead of BDF XI and Gaborone United. And Shah is well aware that a good dose of luck was on his team’s side. He admitted that it was not an easy run for Rollers during the title race and that they also benefited from bad luck which hit the BDF XI camp.
Matebele were docked six points after they took Botswana Football Association (BFA) and Botswana Premier League (BPL) to court in protest against the league’s decision to postpone their match against Mochudi Center Chiefs to give way for a friendly match between Magosi and South African side Kaizer Chiefs. In the end, this benefitted Rollers as they won the league with three points ahead of BDF XI. But Shah remains confident that Mapalastina deserved the league honors.
“It has been a good season for us because we managed to go for 28 games unbeaten. But I must admit that we were a bit lucky to win the title after BDF XI was docked points. If it was not for that we could have settled for the second spot. Next season we have to come with a better strategy and up our game,” said Shah.
The business magnate said the plan is to build a stronger side which will be able to stamp its authority from the onset. He said it’s important for coach Madinda Ndlovu and his technical staff to identify players who will strengthen their side before they go on break.
“I am not a coach but I think there are some loopholes that were evident in our team last season. We need to strengthen our defense which conceded easy goals. There is also a need to bring strikers who will convert the chances we create,” he said.
Though he was not ready to reveal their transfer targets, Shah said he is looking for players who will add value to the Mapalastina stable. He said he is not going to relax during the off-season as he wants to build Rollers into a monster.
“We’re not going to relax. We want to build a monster which will clearly cement its authority as soon as the league kicks off. We won most of our games by a margin of one goal. That shows we are struggling. We are champions and we have to be ruthless in front of goal. We have to be like the English Premiership where the teams vying for the title show their intentions early,” said Shah.
For Shah, one of the most important factors that will boost their chances of defending their league title is to have a disciplined outfit. He praised the team’s management for ensuring that the players do not do as they wish in the past campaign.
“In every environment there is a need for discipline. Madinda is the right man for the job because he was able to take charge. I hear small talk that Madinda is not in good terms with management, but I want to make it clear that there is nothing like that. He has won three titles in a row and he has my full support,” continued Shah.
The Rollers boss also praised supporters for the role they played in ensuring that the team succeeds last season. He said Rollers fans bring color and livelihood to the team’s matches, which goes a long way to market the club.
“I’ve been impressed by their passion and they have motivated me every day to do my best for this club. I want to see Rollers growing and we can only achieve that when we pull in the same direction,” he said.
In conclusion, Shah said it is his wish to see the case that is before the High Court sorted out as the matter is stalling progress. Some disgruntled Rollers’ supporters have filed a case before the courts challenging the manner in which Shah was given major shares at the club.
“I love this club with all my heart and the sooner we know the outcome of the court case the better. I have plans in the pipeline for this massive club and it would be nice if we plan knowing where we’re pulling,” he said.
