Premier league giants, Township Rollers’ fortunes seem to be improving with every game, and they have once again repositioned themselves as strong contenders for the league championship.
The team increased their lead over the weekend after winning their encounter with BDF. While Rollers have been under serious threat from rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs, they have now widened their lead, especially after Centre Chiefs slumped and started losing games.
Rollers took advantage of Centre Chiefs’ loss of form and widened their lead. Chiefs lost their two consecutive games against Ecco City Greens and Notwane, while Rollers collected maximum points against Motlakase and BDF XI.
Before the last two matches, Rollers were leading Centre Chiefs by a paltry two points. But they now have 50 points as compared to Chiefs’ 42. If they can be consistent for the next six matches, Rollers will surely be the new champions.
Rollers have not won the league in the last five years, while Chiefs were champions two years ago.
Last year, Chiefs were also championship contenders, until the last game, when they lost against champions Gaborone United. Chiefs have the best players in the Premier League. Most of whom also feature prominently in the national team.
Rollers started the league on a high note and only lost one game in the first round. At one stage they led the second placed team by nine points. The lead was eventually cut to two, bringing panic to Rollers supporters. But the team stood their ground and registered several convincing victories. The team’s Managing Director, Somerset Gobuiwang, told The Telegraph that they just have to deal with one game at a time.
“We are taking each game as it comes, and we talked to the players about that. The league is still a long way off, and we must make sure that we do not drop any points for at least seven coming matches. That is when we can talk about league championships,” he said.
Rollers currently have a pool of players that they can choose from. Their star striker, Terrence Mandaza, is already contesting for the top goal scorer award.
Some of the players who have been outstanding to date are goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe, industrious midfielder Edwin Moalosi and defender Itayi Gwandu.
Teams should also watch out for Extension Gunners and Uniao Flamengo Santos.
The race at the bottom of the league is also intensifying by the day. Teams that have been struggling for the most part of this season are beginning to collect maximum points.
BMC has already moved out of the bottom of the league and are currently fourth from the bottom, ahead of Tafic, Killer Giants and Jwaneng Comets. Tafic might be at the bottom of the league, but have an advantage in that they have two matches in hand. This past weekend Tafic registered a convincing 4-0 win against fellow strugglers, Comets.
