Big dreams, tight purse at Popa

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:55

This is despite being forced to abandon the pursuit of their preferred coach, Tor Thodesen, in favour of the more affordable Serbian tactician, Sreten Pavlović.

The Gaborone giants have handed Pavlović a season-long, performance-based contract, with a mandate to secure a top-four finish in the FNB Premiership and deliver silverware.

However, the Serbian has already discovered the magnitude of the task ahead, admitting that his youthful squad requires significant improvement following his first week at the helm.

Rollers secretary general, Ofentse Mosekiemang, revealed last week that the club had initially set its sights on reuniting with Thodesen. However, financial obligations, particularly the settlement of FIFA-related transfer bans, threw a spanner in the works.

'Coach Tor should have long come. Unfortunately, we had financial issues. The funds that were reserved for his air ticket were diverted to the FIFA bans,' Mosekiemang said.

Furthermore, the Norwegian's salary demands proved too steep, forcing management to explore a more affordable alternative.

'When we compared coach Tor's salary package to Sreten's, we then thought the Serbian is affordable, also bearing in mind the situation at the club with finances. Tor had a higher package demand compared to our current coach, so that's why we opted for him,' he explained.

Interestingly, Rollers did not embark on an extensive search for their new coach. Instead, Pavlović was recommended by an agent who had previously worked with the club.

'He was recommended by one of the agents who has worked previously with the club. We contacted him and found out that he was available and affordable, then we chose him,' Mosekiemang said.

'We did not really interview a lot of coaches for the job, looking at our structures that we do not have the funds to afford high-quality coaches. But we needed someone to lead the team.'

Nevertheless, affordability was not the only consideration. The club was equally impressed by Pavlović's experience in Eswatini and Ghana, as well as his involvement in football academies.

The Serbian previously worked with Eswatini Premier League outfit Malanti Chiefs, while his youth development experience is regarded as an advantage for Rollers' young squad.

'Looking at his CV convinced us. He has worked in Eswatini, so he has a clear picture of Africa. He has worked in Ghana and a number of football academies. Looking at the fact that we have a young squad, we believe he can work on it,' Mosekiemang said.

Moreover, Rollers are drawing inspiration from Serbian coaches Nikola Kavazović and Srđan Živojinov, whose previous spells impressed management.

Despite the tight budget, Rollers are not compromising on their ambitions. Pavlović's contract will undergo a performance review, with an option for renewal.

'It is a performance-based contract because Township Rollers is an ambitious club. We want some silverware this season, if there is a chance, and aim for the top four,' Mosekiemang said.

However, Pavlović's debut ended in a 1-0 defeat to Jwaneng Galaxy in Sunday's African Hero Top 8 quarterfinal at Galaxy Stadium, leaving Rollers with the FNB Premiership and Orange FA Cup as their remaining silverware opportunities.

Having spent just a week with the squad, Pavlović acknowledged defensive improvements but admitted that the team remains far from his expectations.

'We need to improve fast. We have improved already in some things because the last match we lost 4-2. This one was closer, we conceded only one goal. At least we focused more on defence,' he said.

Nevertheless, he conceded that Galaxy created numerous opportunities, while Rollers struggled to impose themselves. He was particularly concerned by the gaps between defence and attack.

'Only the last 15 minutes we played how we are supposed to play. To push the numbers up, to play, to compete, because you cannot stay at the back and win the match,' Pavlović said.

Although disappointed by the cup exit, the Serbian believes it offers an opportunity to regroup and improve their league position.