Popa elders chip in amidst player exodus
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday January 19, 2026 06:00
Popa’s interim committee met with the oldsters at the Phase 2 club offices on Saturday afternoon, seeking solutions to an ongoing cash crunch that now threatens to decimate the squad.
However, the gathering did not offer much glimmer of hope for arguably Botswana’s most popular club.
Rollers have been grappling with financial instability for three consecutive seasons, with debts reportedly totalling P3 million and a FIFA-imposed transfer ban over unpaid obligations to former coach Abdelaziz Karkache.
The off-field turmoil is now threatening to spill fully onto the pitch, with the club potentially losing more than six key players mid-season.
Central midfielder, Mothusi Cooper, is set to join Moroccan top-flight side Mouloudia Club Oujda (MC Oujda), whilst forward Godfrey Tauyatswala has moved to city rivals Gaborone United on loan.
Thatayaone Ramatlapeng is heavily linked with Orapa United, and veteran goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe is said to be on the radar of First Division North side, Tonota FC. However, reports are that Dambe will not be joining the ambitious Tonota side.
Central defender, Mosha Gaolaolwe and midfielder Omphile Vissagie, are also attracting attention from Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Jwaneng Galaxy, respectively.
Speaking to MmegiSport this week, Rollers secretary-general, Ofentse Mosekiemang, said the elders’ meeting was productive as Rollers prioritise owed salaries.
“We are running around to find funds to pay salaries,” he said. “We are trying our best to keep our players. I am positive we will overcome this challenge.”
Mosekiemang added that the elders have gone all out to help the club source funds and that the executive committee, with support from Rollers’ faithful, is working on a rescue plan.
“The exco, with the help of elders and supporters, is working on something to rescue the team. Something is promising,” he said.
Despite the optimism, the club is yet to confirm the appointment a permanent investor, both of which remain critical to long-term stability. The positive news is that the club will name Thapelo ‘Fish’ Pabalinga as the new chairperson.
The timing of the meeting comes as youthful head coach Oarabile Seabo continues to navigate the team through a turbulent period.
The combination of unpaid wages, looming player exits, and the ongoing transfer ban poses a real threat to Rollers’ competitiveness in the league this season.
With the transfer window closing soon, the club faces the delicate task of balancing player retention, securing financial backing, and stabilising operations.
Failure to act swiftly could leave Rollers’ squad depleted and undermine their league ambitions. Mosekiemang remained cautiously hopeful.
“We are in a very bad state, but we are fighting. Our priority is to stabilise the club and protect the team,” he added.
Popa resume league action on Saturday with a visit to the Galaxy Stadium, where Jwaneng Galaxy lie in wait.