Rollers coach calls for psych aid after derby drubbing
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday March 11, 2026 09:07
Speaking in a post-match interview after his side were thrashed 4-0 by arch-rivals, Gaborone United, on Saturday evening at the GU Stadium, he stressed the importance of mental support in keeping the team afloat in the Premier League. Rollers is currently going through a tough patch, having managed just one win in their last five games league games. They currently sit in 8th place in the Botswana Premier League standings.
“A very disappointing outcome, something that we didn’t anticipate at all. Unfortunately, we lost by four goals to nil against Gaborone United today. It’s a derby game, and always when you play derby game, we always go all out to try and get the maximum points and bragging rights of the city but unfortunately today it's not meant to be,” said Seabo.
'We tried not to make a lot of changes coming into today’s game. Fanta has been playing as a number six and we said he has been doing very well. We lost Simon because he got a red card against Sua, so we said we could drift him (Ratanang), and with his experience that he possess, he has played there some of the seasons, so we knew he would be able to play as a left centre back for us.'
“We need to try and deal with the psychological aspect of these boys. It’s not easy for them. These boys have been through a lot and they still need us to try and give them confidence, try to encourage them and tell them that there is still a lot to play for to try and help the team survive. What we can only do is to help this team survive and stay in the top flight football. We need to rally behind these boys, weed to protect them and make sure that we give them the confidence going into the next game,” he said.
On the other hand, GU coach Sean Conor was ecstatic with the results, saying the win now puts close challengers, Jwaneng Galaxy under pressure.
“It is fantastic because now it puts pressure on Jwaneng Galaxy. They got to go and close the gap. I think the goal difference did help tonight as well. But look, we can’t control the future, we can’t control what happens next week but tonight for 96 minutes we controlled, that’s all we needed,” said Conor.
“Really, really happy. I spoke to the players during the week and I asked them to dominate the game, dominate possession, dominate where the game was played and dominate with creativity and I think we did that from start to finish. I don’t know why we didn’t score in the first half, I thought we played really, really well Players playing on the half turn, much more aggressive and keep possession and focused.
“We have a good squad here and I can’t say to the players that it’s all about the group and that everybody will play. All these boys trained well during the week and I felt that these were the right players to bring into this game. People talk about young players but they get better if they play,” he added.
“I love these types of matches, therefore players should enjoy them. Big derby live on tv, that’s why they play football. If you can’t get up and enjoy these games then you should play football. The players were magnificent, and we have a really good group and if you seen the substitutions tonight that speaks about the group not individuals.”
The teams:
GU: Thabo Motswagole, Tatenda Gora, Mothusi Jonhson (Sheikh Sesay), Alford Velaphi, Ivan Kamberipa, Lebogang Disele, Karabo Phiri, Thabang Khuduga (Mpho Kgaswane), Godfrey Tauyatswala, Ambrosius Amseb (Kamogelo Moloi)
Rollers: Keagile Kgosipula, Onkarabile Ratanang, Simisani Mathumo, Lemogang Maswena, Utlwang Ramakgathi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Omphile Vissage (Kago Koone), Lehlohonolo Fothoane (Philip Kaku), Kago Monyake Botshelo Mangena), Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Temo Segopolo), Thapelo Balatlheng (Kago Sesinyi).
GU 4 (Kgamanyane 47th, 58th, Moloi 83rd, Kgaswane 72nd) Rollers 0