Six players linked with Rollers exit
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday January 12, 2026 06:00
Popa’s troubles have steadily escalated off the pitch and are now bleeding onto the field. The record league champions parted ways with their management partner late last year.
Over the past three seasons, the elite side has seen three different investors cut ties with the popular side. Matters worsened when Rollers were slapped with a FIFA transfer ban over debts owed to former head coach, Abdelaziz Karkache.
The ban has compounded Rollers’ financial headache, with the club’s debts hovering at around P3 million. The turmoil has already claimed casualties, with head coach Srdjan Zivojnov leaving the club.
He has since resurfaced at Black Lions FC, a club owned by former Rollers financier, Tendai Sebata.
In a worrying trend for Popa, several Rollers players are now being linked with moves to Black Lions. Amongst them is this season’s breakthrough prospect, Thero Bubi, who is reported to be training with ‘Dibata’.
Kenneth Muguna has signed with Sua Flamingoes on a one-and-half year deal. He made a handful of appearances for Rollers due to injuries.
Forward Godfrey Tauyatswala has reportedly signed with Gaborone United and is seen as a replacement for Thomas Chideu who has left the Reds after only six months.
Rollers’ secretary-general, Ofentse Mosekiemang, confirmed to MmegiSport this week that the club anticipates multiple exits, although no formal approaches have been received.
“We expect around six departures; however, the club is yet to receive any formal offers,” he said.
Central defender, Mosha Gaolaolwe, has emerged as one of the most high-profile names on the reported exit list.
The experienced defender is strongly linked with a move to rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs, who are believed to be positioning themselves to capitalise on Rollers’ vulnerable situation.
“Yes, we have seen the reports that have been circulating also, but the team that is linked with him (Gaolaolwe) has not written to us with a formal proposal,” Mosekiemang added.
The 32-year-old renewed his contract with Rollers in June 2025, signing a two-year extension that runs until 2027. With 18 months remaining on his deal, Magosi would have to dig deep to secure his services.
MmegiSport has also learnt that Jwaneng Galaxy are closely monitoring Omphile Vissagie. The central midfielder is enjoying his most productive season in Rollers colours and is amongst the club’s leading goal scorers.
Despite their fragile financial position, Rollers insist they are reluctant sellers.
“We intend to keep all our players and challenge for anything we can this season. But the main issue is the transfer ban that we are facing; we cannot sign players, and we would not want to part with some of our best players,” said Mosekiemang.
“Like I said, we have not received any formal proposals, and the team manager has made us aware of potential interests.”
The official explained that the ban stems from the club’s former partnership with Sebata Holdings.
“Karkache had a contract with Rollers as a club but was employed under Sebata's company. Now, when he went to FIFA, it was Rollers that were slapped with a ban.
“We had engagements with Sebata about the issue, and we are of the thought that he is just delaying the whole payment process due to the issues they have with Rollers. As a club, at one point, we were not even sure about the right amount of the debt,” said Mosekiemang.
This publication has been informed that Rollers owe the coach approximately P150,000, in addition to rental costs amounting to P96,000. Mosekiemang said the debts require urgent attention, with the club desperate to re-enter the transfer market before the window closes later this month.
The executive committee is scheduled to meet the club’s elders on Saturday at the club offices at 2pm. The elders’ meeting offers a glimmer of hope and follows last Sunday’s membership convergence.
“We have long wanted to meet the elders, but it was not possible in December, and we hope that from the weekend we will have sought a solution to clear these debts. We are in a very bad state, and we also appeal for a hand from the Rollers faithful across the country.
“At the moment, it is unfortunate to say that we are still battling to find the club an investor,” Mosekiemang said.
The committee assumed office in October, but instability has persisted. Just three months into the term, chairperson Nelson ‘Shakes’ Onkabetse resigned, citing work commitments. Mosekiemang said the club expects to appoint a new chairperson after the weekend meeting.