Papama, Ratanang lead Rollers’ young guns post mass exodus
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday September 28, 2026 06:00
Arguably once the most financially stable side in the league, Popa this time found themselves on the brink of total collapse because of debts reportedly running over P5 million. Whilst already dealing with a FIFA transfer ban, the team also saw the mass exodus of players hit double figures, with most of their key players joining Premier League rivals in search of greener pastures.
The last straw for Rollers fans was when Simisane Mathumo and Kabelo Dambe, who had initially looked like they would stay put, announced their departures to join Sua Flamingoes and Extension Gunners respectively.
Whilst most of the talk was about Rollers losing most of their experienced players, little was said about Namibian midfielder Marcell Papama’s whereabouts and where he was headed.
There was also little to no talk about utility player Onkarabile Ratanang’s future with the club.
It was only during the last friendly matches before the start of the season that many, including Rollers supporters, noticed that the two had decided to stay put and lead the new-look squad, which mostly boasts young players.
Papama, in particular, was reportedly on the wanted list of some of the Premier League sides. Rollers apparently convinced him to stay, taking over as the new captain to lead the youthful squad.
His leadership, together with Ratanang, saw them secure a vital point away from home against Morupule Wanderers in the second Premier League match of the season. The first game, against Jwaneng Galaxy, was abandoned after Rollers failed to bring the required number of players on match day.
On Sunday, Rollers faced Gunners in a highly anticipated encounter. Prior to the game, Gunners had recorded one of their best starts to the season, having won two matches against Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Nico United.
Rollers were holding a long-standing record of an unbeaten run against Mapantsula, but this time they knew that, with Gunners currently blazing hot, the assignment would be a tricky one.
Papama was not only directing and dictating play for Rollers on the day, but he also scored two brilliant goals in the second half, sending Rollers’ supporters into wild celebrations.
The Namibian left-footed midfielder could now launch his career as the new leader as Rollers look to rebuild from scratch.
The first goal, which he blasted from outside the box, was a combination of good technique and a quick glance at the goalkeeper’s position.
The second goal was also eye-catching and followed a brilliant move which involved South African new signing Thembelani Majingo.
Majingo, who was introduced as a substitute, changed the complexion of the match, together with another new signing, Moriana Moriana from Lesotho.
Ratanang also showed his leadership quality and experience, smashing in a free-kick towards the end of the match.
In the end, Papama was named Man of the Match and had this to say: “It’s actually something that I have been trying to do at training, shooting at goal. I am trying to perfect the technique, and I am happy that today I managed to put it to perfection.”
He said it was not an easy encounter, but they were already expecting that, with Gunners one man down early in the game after Dambe’s red card, they would apply a low block.