Rollers draw line on player exodus
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday July 13, 2026 06:00
Officials, therefore, say the Blues are now turning their attention to rebuilding the squad ahead of the 2026-2027 campaign. The club has lost a number of key players since the end of last season, forcing the executive committee to rethink its recruitment strategy whilst working to retain the core of a squad that would be tasked with winning the title. Amongst those who have departed are dependable defender Mosha Gaolaolwe and midfielder Omphile Vissagie, who have since joined rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
Goalkeeper Karamelo Kgosipula, fullback Freeman Molosi, and midfielder Botshelo Mangena have completed moves to Nico United, whilst striker Thatayaone Ramatlapeng has signed for Dinare FC in the First Division South. Full-back Lemogang Maswena has joined Black Lions, Lesotho international Lehlohonolo Fothoane has returned home to link up with Lijabatho FC, whilst Utlwanang Ramakgathi has moved to Morupule Wanderers. However, Rollers secretary-general, Ofentse Mosekiemang said supporters should not expect the exodus to continue. 'We have lost quite a number of our good players and it was not our intention. We hope the ones that remain (stay). 'We need to keep them, and we promise the Rollers supporters that this mass exit of players would be a thing that would not continue and they should now expect the signings,' Mosekiemang told MmegiSport. The record champions are, however, still unable to reinforce their squad due to a FIFA transfer ban arising from a debt owed to former head coach Abdel Karkache. However, Mosekiemang said the club is hopeful the matter will soon be resolved, paving the way for new arrivals. 'If the transfer ban we have is to be lifted, we are going to beef up our team in almost every department.
We need a goalkeeper, a defender, and midfielders. Overall, we need to strengthen all our departments, but mostly the defence and midfield. “Every department has been hit but we would need to bring in new people,' he added. The uncertainty surrounding the transfer ban also comes as Rollers continue negotiations with league-winning coach Tor Thodesen, whose future at the club remains unresolved after he returned to his native Norway at the end of the season. 'Our head coach, Tor Thodesen, had returned home and we are still engaging with him. We have not appointed a head coach and we are hoping that we will reach an agreement with him,' Mosekiemang revealed. Despite the challenges, Rollers insist preparations for the new season are gathering momentum.
The club has called a members' consultative and engagement meeting for Sunday, where supporters will receive an update on the state of the club and the plans being put in place ahead of the new campaign. 'We have called for members' engagement this weekend. The key is to update the Rollers supporters on the health of the club,' Mosekiemang said. “Our members have a right to be informed about their club and be given a chance to put forward their suggestions and advice in a bid to ready the club before the start of next season.' Having already secured a long-term partnership with Italian sportswear manufacturer Diadora and continuing talks with prospective investors and sponsors, Rollers are hoping to put a turbulent off-season behind them. The immediate priority is to lift the FIFA transfer ban, retain Thodesen and begin recruiting players capable of helping the club defend its league title whilst mounting a strong challenge in continental football. For a club that has endured a difficult few months off the pitch, Mosekiemang believes the rebuilding process has begun.