Sua look to reignite title hopes against Rollers
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 28, 2025 08:48
With just three points off the summit, Bafana Ba Letswai (Boys of the Salt) arrive in the capital knowing that the mathematics of the title race still tilt firmly in their favour, a right they have deservedly earned. Their campaign took off like a rocket; they remained unbeaten in the opening seven matches. Sua had not tasted defeat, keeping four straight clean sheets, and climbed amongst the championship conversation before most teams had even found their rhythm. Even the October 3–1 defeat to reigning champions, Gaborone United, (GU) did not derail their momentum. Since that loss, they have stitched together three wins and two defeats, not flawless, but solid enough to keep GU in their crosshairs. The departure of head coach Nikola Kavazović, reportedly plotting his next move down south, threw the camp off balance at a delicate moment.
Leadership transitions can rattle even the tightest squads, but to their credit, Sua steadied themselves quickly. The spirit remained intact, and the mission unchanged, to keep the pressure on GU and take every point available.
That mission lands them in Gaborone this weekend, and the timing could not be more perfect. This is because their weekend opponents, Rollers, have had a week so chaotic it borders on tragicomedy.
Popa were reportedly locked out of the Lekidi Football Centre earlier this week due to unpaid rental fees, a stark symbol of the financial off-field mess that has clung to the club all season.
The salary arrears story refuses to die, and the hunt for an investor has dragged on with the weight of a marathon no one trained for. It is no exaggeration to say Rollers are playing with lead in their boots.
Predictably, the uncertainty has bled straight onto the pitch. Rollers have managed just one win in their last five matches, losing three of them, and have tumbled to sixth in the standings.
Nine points behind the league leaders, they find themselves in a position that would have been unthinkable a few seasons ago. Popa, once the bully of Botswana football, now limp into a crucial home fixture with the confidence tank flashing empty.
Rollers have traditionally dominated the tie, but the gap has narrowed dramatically. Sua are no longer gate-crashers in the league. They have proved they belong at the sharp end, and current form suggests they will fancy their chances in the capital.
The rest of the league menu brings its own flavour this weekend as the festive and AFCON break nears.
Former champions, Jwaneng Galaxy, host a tricky BDF XI side this evening at the Galaxy Stadium at 7pm. At the same time, Extension Gunners, knee-deep in trouble, welcome GU to the GU Stadium.
Saturday afternoon sees Orapa United hosting Calendar Stars at the Lucara Stadium, whilst TAFIC and Mochudi Centre Chiefs clash in Francistown. Santa Green make a short hop to Palapye Stadium for their clash with Morupule Wanderers, and Black Lions welcome Nico United to the VTM Arena.
The action closes with a relegation three-point battle between Matebele FC and Police XI.