Rollers' 17-goal import mum on targets

Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 10, 2025 08:52

 

Fothoane scored an impressive 17 goals in the first round of Lesotho's Vodacom Premier League before catching the eye of record league champions, Township Rollers. The Blues paid P100,000 (approximately M133,382) to Bantu FC for the services of the goal scoring midfielder for two and a half years. As per reports, Bantu FC had rejected the offer but had to concede as the player sought a move abroad. Nicknamed '4-2-1', Fothoane arrived at Rollers amidst much fanfare and made his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Orapa United. He made another second half appearance against BDF XI and went on to score his first goal in his first start in a 3-1 defeat to Morupule Wanderers. Over the weekend, Fothoane played a part in the final goal as Rollers beat BDF XI 3-1 to end the weekend at the summit of the log.

The midfielder had his shot blocked and South African winger, Lefa Leballo scored from the rebound with his first goal of the club. Fothoane told MmegiSport that he has been working hard since the start of the season and he is gradually settling at Rollers. He said he is starting to gel with the team and understand the coach's methods and also the way Rollers play. The Lesotho international said it would take him the first five to six games to settle well with the rest of the Rollers' squad. 'From the games I have played, I would like to say this is a continuation from the season I have played back home in Lesotho. For now, I am just trying to pick up where I left off back home and my goal for the season is to continue doing well and I can do so if I work harder,' Fothoane said. He has been described as a creative and skillful midfielder with massive goal scoring abilities. At Rollers he has been used in the playmaker role just behind the main striker. He will compete for a starting berth with, amongst others, Rollers' icons, Segolame Boy and Mogakolodi Ngele.

Fothoane said there is not much difference from his previous environment and Rollers'. He said he is used to playing under conditions where fans demand a lot from the players and hopes the pressure will push him to much greater heights. 'For me as an individual, I do not feel that much of a pressure or difference because I have played in these big competitive games. I have played in CAF (competition) games, I have played for my national team,' he said. The player, who recently marked his 28th birthday in February, said despite a goal-laden first half of the season in Lesotho he has not yet set targets after his Rollers move. 'I do not want to say that I have a specific number of goals, but the way I have started and the way I have worked since I got here, I think I only need to improve my effort. I am in a different place now and I need to push harder now, and I think the goals will come,' he said. The midfielder is expected to be part of the Likuena squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Fothoane and Rollers will this weekend be away at the Itekeng Stadium for an Orange FA Cup round of 32 tie against nemesis, Orapa United.