Rollers' rolling stone with no moss

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday October 7, 2025 06:00

The club's attraction as a brand might have come at a cost as it has, more like at Extension Gunners, bred endless turf wars. Stability is key to progress, and just like a rolling stone, Rollers have struggled to accumulate wealth or possessions.

Just across town, a more settled Gaborone United have proved what could be achieved with stability, particularly in the boardroom, with the club now having a facility it calls its own, although it’s through a lease arrangement.

Rollers have known no peace in recent seasons, particularly post the sparkling Jagdish Shah era. It has been all gloom and doom for an elite institution that had for long, become the yardstick of success.

The Jimmy Kereng period was short-lived and did not leave good memories, while there was even more acrimony during Tendai Sebata's equally brief flirtation with the blue side of the capital.

Sebata became a target of vitriol from some executive members; whatever his sins were. The Zimbabwean businessman, through his company, Sebata Holdings, accused Rollers of insincerity and in turn, the executive argued that Sebata had left the club trapped in a debt pit.

The truth lies in between, and for now, that matters little as Rollers is still engulfed in internecine fights, months after Sebata left. Rollers' conflict reached a crescendo when the team failed to honour its league fixture against Calendar Stars last month.

There is still no hint of light at the end of what appears to be a long, dark tunnel. After Sebata left, there was announcement of a management company taking over, although with little pessimism. Then came the Sunbet Sponsorship, but it seems nothing has sparked the giants' revival.

Where to then for Rollers? At the weekend, the situation appeared to deteriorate with reports some members of the executive had thrown in the towel. But hours later, a statement bearing the club's logo delivered a vague message.

The Botswana Football League also attempted to dive in, but the message was even more confusing. It is a Rollers conflict, but the ramifications have a ripple-effect.

It is unknown when Rollers will be back to doing what the team is supposed to be doing; playing. This has the potential to destabilise the entire league's schedule.

The constant management changes at Rollers have cost the club dearly. By now, a club of Rollers stature should have a permanent home, with permanent offices. Such should not depend on the mood or the identity of the investor.

Any incoming partner should find Rollers at a place of fixed abode. This should apply to all clubs in fact. Permanence is key. For now, Rollers' (and many other clubs) address depends on the investor, never an ideal situation for a club that has the most domestic league titles.