Rollers spend P1.2m to settle FIFA debts
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday September 11, 2026 11:40
As a result, Rollers were slapped with a transfer ban, which saw them struggle to fulfil the season's opening fixtures. Information indicates that Rollers paid former head coach Abdelaziz Karkache P850,000, then P124,000 to South African player Thabo Mokenoane, and P111,000 to Democratic Republic of Congo player Ntwambe Djo. Meanwhile, the club will turn to Tor Thodesen as they seek to steady the club after a difficult start to the new FNB Premiership season. Speaking to MmegiSport on Wednesday, Rollers secretary-general Ofentse Mosekiemang confirmed that Thodesen is the club’s preferred candidate for the vacant head-coach position. Oupa Kowa is currently leading the team on an interim basis after being appointed first assistant coach in June. Nadeem Tajbhay is serving as the second assistant coach. Thodesen is in talks with Rollers over a return.
However, his arrival was delayed by the club’s FIFA transfer bans. Rollers had spent the off-season clearing a debt owed to Karkache. The amount was settled shortly before the start of the new season. The club was then hit by two fresh bans over outstanding payments to Mokenoane and Djo. Rollers settled the Mokenoane matter; however, there were delays in resolving the Djo case. Mosekiemang said the initial payment to Djo was reversed after being sent to an account that was no longer operational. The club then arranged an alternative account and made the payment. Djo confirmed receipt of the money on Monday and notified FIFA. Rollers were cleared by FIFA on Wednesday, allowing them to register players ahead of their second league fixture against Morupule Wanderers at Palapye Stadium on Saturday. Mosekiemang said the FIFA issue had also affected plans to bring back Thodesen. “We are in the hunt for a head coach, but we have been disturbed by these FIFA bans. We had already begun talks with Tor Thodesen for him to return,” he said. “We had to divert his travelling plans because of the FIFA bans.
We are sourcing money for his plane ticket so he can return.” Thodesen is a familiar figure at Rollers after he joined the club late last season and made an immediate impact. He guided the team through a strong run of results during the final stages of the campaign. Under his guidance, Rollers won eight consecutive matches before losing the Orange FA Cup quarter-final to Gaborone United on penalties. They then suffered two league defeats to close the campaign but had already secured a top-half finish. Rollers, also known as Popa, are now hoping that Thodesen can provide stability again. The club’s start to the new season has been severely disrupted. They travelled to Jwaneng Stadium for their opening match against Jwaneng Galaxy with only seven registered players. One player was injured during the match, leaving the team with six players, something that forced the game to be abandoned.
Their next fixture was postponed after the club requested a postponement from the Botswana Football League. The FIFA clearance has now removed the immediate obstacle to registering additional players. Rollers are expected to move quickly to strengthen the squad before Saturday’s match. The team had assembled a squad but could not register the players due to the bans. Mosekiemang said the club remains committed to fulfilling its fixtures. “We are working hard for the team to honour the fixtures. We can promise the fans and all stakeholders that the team will play,” he revealed. Meanwhile, this evening Mochudi Centre Chiefs host Nico United at the GU Stadium as Tonota FC face BDF XI at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium at 7pm. On Saturday, Sua Flamingoes host Prisons XI at the Sowa Town Council Stadium whilst Enesia FC meet Matebele FC at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium at 4pm.
Orapa United entertain TAFIC FC at 7pm at the Itekeng Stadium. The fixtures between Extension Gunners and Jwaneng Galaxy, and Gaborone United and Police XI, have been postponed as the Reds and Galaxy prepare for their respective CAF assignments.