I am not under pressure-Rollers coach
Chakalisa Dube | Monday January 30, 2023 15:54
He was speaking after his side surrendered a 1-0 lead to draw 1-1 against rookies Eleven Angels in an away Premier League tie at the Francistown Stadium. The 42-year-old has endured a less exciting start to his tenure at Rollers, with three draws and one win in the league.
This continued run of draws has raised speculation around the future of the Portuguese national with some fans now challenging his credentials and calling for his sacking. “I am a professional coach. I am not afraid of being sacked.
I understand the frustration of the fans. But I believe in my work. If I doubt myself, I will start feeling the pressure,” he said in a post-match interview. Traquill asserted that he is not at the club to perform miracles and urged fans to be patient as he tries to impose his philosophy. Although the coach maintains that he is not under pressure, it is clear that he is an unsettled man.
Moments after the Angels clash, he stormed inside the pitch and vented his fury at the match officials. He was accompanied by several Rollers officials. Traquill was also asked about the overall assessment of the team since he took over in January amid reports that some big names particularly in the defence, will leave at the end of season as part of the rebuilding process.
He, however, refused to comment. “I prefer not to talk about that because I am very angry. What I can say is that this team is big. We have to start thinking big. If we don’t start thinking big, forget it,” he said.
The coach explained his anger towards the match officials. He felt that they were biased and gave silly fouls against Popa. He also felt that Lebopo Moremi’s 73rd red card was a soft foul. Moremi was given a straight red card after he appeared to have lunged on Angels forward, Mompati Mbidzo. “This is the first time in my life that I talk about officiating.
I am disappointed,” he added. Traquill’s next league assignment will be against high-riding Orapa United in Gaborone early next month. Rollers were entirely dominant against Angels who appeared content with absorbing the pressure and resorting to counter attacks.
The visitors got the lead in the 22nd minute when Segolame Boy beat goalkeeper, Tambani Bachopi with a well curled effort from a distance. The hosts got their equaliser seven minutes before the break when talisman Ronny Leagetse rose high to head home a well taken corner from recently signed winger Tefo Batlang.
The match was not entirely bad to spectators who came in their numbers.
Both coaches displayed their tactical ingenuity. Angels’ mentor, Seemo Mpatane succeeded with his near defensive approach and prevented Rollers from creating clear cut opportunities. For most part of the match, his players were behind the ball. On the other hand, Traquill played a quick passing game and tried as much to vary his approach in a bid to crack the Angels defence. Rollers did break the host defence at times but they were unlucky.
The Teams
Angels: Tambani Bachopi, Fungai Muzila, Thuso Monyama, Shanganani Ngada, Marcus Maokaneng, Ronny Leagetse, Tefo Batlang (Desmond Mtokufa), Mompati Mbidzo (Patrick Jackalas), Kudzani Sibanda (Mompati Mmeshe), Monty Enosa (Batshani Bee), Tlotlo Kgaolo (Eric Ookame) Rollers: Kabelo Maphakela, Onkarabile Ratanang (Denver Meyer), Mosha Gaolaolwe, Jackson Lesole, Lebopo Moremi, Shaun Gcumeni, Edwin Moalosi (Morgan Gaseitsiwe), Segolame Boy, Terdius Uiseb (Bame Morwalela), Tlhalefo Molebatsi (Ototeng Dintwa)
Eleven Angels 1 (Leagetse 38th) Rollers 1 (Boy 22nd)