Rollers decide: To keep or let Shah go
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday March 17, 2023 15:01
Shah dropped a bombshell on the 'Mighty Blues' on March 2 as he announced that he leaves the club on May 31. The business mogul's reasons to leave the club where he has enjoyed much success, remain unknown. Reports are that some of the team's supporters left Shah unimpressed as they tried to influence the club's administration staff.
The reports further suggest that the supporters wielded knives towards the club's CEO, Bennett Mamelodi. It is reported that among Mamelodi's primary sins was his role in the recruitment of the head coach. Since the arrival of Mamelodi at Rollers in July 2021, the team has appointed four coaches without much success.
The club finds itself closing in on a third season without silverware, an unfamiliar position for the club. The disgruntled supporters have called for the sacking of Mamelodi who, however, has Shah's backing. Now, the full Rollers membership will be given the opportunity to decide whether to keep or let go of Shah. The decision lies with 189 men and women representing 63 branches countrywide. Non-complaint branches will, however, not be allowed into the gathering. This is a throwback to the meeting held in September 2016 as Township Rollers endorsed the businessman as the club president for the first time. In the meeting held in Gaborone, the Rollers membership was in song to lay the red carpet for Shah as he walked to the club presidency. Shah replaced club icon, the late Dickson Gabanakgosi.
The membership had a sigh of relief as their 'Messiah' then opted to remain with the club. Popa were at the time in 'postbellum' following a struggle over the ownership of the club that stretched nearly two years. Shah had bankrolled Rollers for a three-season period before the debacle. He then also, faced a group of disgruntled members who challenged his involvement at Rollers. The club's masses, however, were behind Shah. The club had seen a massive turnaround in fortunes under Shah's administration, becoming one of the most glamorous sporting institutions in the country. The success on the field was matched by profits off the pitch.
This time around, as per the information reaching Mmegi Sport, Shah has the larger bargaining power. Shah is said to be seeking total ownership of the club. Reports also suggest that a large part of the club membership is keen to beg for 'back love' from their 'dearest' investor. Depending on the outcome of the meeting, Shah is likely to remain with Mapalastina. Rollers have barred journalists from the meeting which starts at 8am.