Seabo hails league competitiveness as boost for Zebras

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday November 11, 2025 09:14

The assertion was made by Township Rollers’ assistant coach, Oarabile “Wilshere” Seabo, who added the league will produce competitive players.

“It is going to be a competitive one (season) and this is good for the Zebras, good for Botswana football,” he said after guiding Rollers to a dominant 4–0 victory over Santa Green over the weekend.

“We will be able to produce a lot of players who will compete for the national team and have a game that is it growing.”

Seabo, who also serves as the second assistant coach for the Zebras’ technical team, was in charge of the match in the absence of head coach, Srdan Zivojnov. The gaffer is currently serving suspension.

According to Seabo, the competitiveness displayed this season by several teams is a clear indication that local football is improving.

He added that the Zebras’ AFCON qualification has motivated players to raise their standards.

The assistant coach credited the reigning champions, Gaborone United, alongside Sua Flamingoes, Orapa United, and BDF XI for giving his side a serious run for their money in this campaign.

According to Seabo, the heightened contest among the top sides is exactly what Botswana needs to strengthen its player pool for international football.

On the field, Rollers cruised to a much-needed win, ending a frustrating spell of mixed results.

Popa took the lead in the 28th minute when Santa Green goalkeeper Onkgopotse Teemane spilled a corner and Kago Sesinyi reacted first to score his debut goal for Rollers.

Six minutes later, Omphile Vissagie doubled the advantage with one of his trademark long-range efforts, thus handing the Blues a comfortable 2–0 lead at halftime.

Santa Green felt hard done nine minutes into the second half when Lucky Ndou’s strike struck the bar and appeared to have crossed the line, but their appeals were turned down.

Rollers punished them for the missed opportunity as Marcel Papama extended the lead in the 67th minute with a crisp half-volley from Godfrey Tauyatswala’s cross.

Thatayaone Ramatlapeng completed the rout with a composed finish two minutes from time.

The win sees Rollers remain sixth on the log, seven points behind league leaders Gaborone United.

Seabo, however, was more focused on the bigger picture, the growth of the league and its impact on the Zebras than on the standings.

He said players across teams are “raising their hands” in a bid to make the Morocco-bound AFCON squad.

The teams:

Rollers: Karamelo Kgosipula, Lemogang Maswena, Simisane Mathumo, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Onkarabile Ratanang, Mothusi Cooper, Marcel Papama (Phillip Kaku), Omphile Vissagie (Botshelo Mangena), Thatayaone Ramatlapeng, Tlotlo Kgaolo (Thero Bubi), Kago Sesinyi (Godfrey Tauyatswala).

Santa Green: Onkgopotse Teemane, Otlarongwa Nthumolang, Benson Mosokobanji, Keabetswe Obonetse, Joel Chilau, Clifford Gaobatlelwe, Lucky Ndou (Nonofo Seme), Ontiretse Ranthakeng, Charles Mujokeri (Windie Thuso), Otsile Makaita (Thatayaone Makaita), Lawrence Ncube (Lebogang Malefo).

Rollers 4 (Sesinyi 28th, Vissagie 34th, Papama 67th, Ramatlapeng 88th) Santa Green 0