Blue Train gathers speed, engine still sputters
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday November 3, 2026 09:57
Following the triumph, the new gaffer believes the Blue Train is still far from running at full throttle. The record league champions edged BDF XI 2-1 at GU Stadium, with inspired second-half substitutions turning a frustrating Sunday afternoon into three valuable points. Despite collecting four points from his opening two league matches, Pavlović remains concerned about his side's inconsistency and defensive lapses. The victory was his first since taking charge of Rollers, having suffered a 1-0 defeat to Jwaneng Galaxy in the African Hero Top 8 quarterfinal on his competitive debut. He subsequently made his league bow in a 1-1 midweek draw against Tonota FC, where Rollers surrendered their advantage after conceding a controversial penalty in the final 10 minutes.
Nevertheless, Sunday's victory provided a welcome boost to a Rollers side desperate to climb the FNB Premiership standings. 'What is most important is that we start to collect the points. Our play is still in progress,' Pavlović said. 'Even today, in the first half, we started very slowly. We made mistakes and put ourselves under unnecessary pressure,' he stated. The match began at a pedestrian pace under the scorching Gaborone heat, with Rollers enjoying greater possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. However, BDF XI threatened against the run of play.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, forward Kitso Mpuisang found himself with the goalkeeper beaten but blasted his effort over the crossbar. The striker squandered another opportunity before the break, firing wide as the visitors failed to capitalise on Rollers' defensive lapses. With the teams deadlocked at halftime, Pavlović introduced Shaun Gcumeni and Levi Monaheng for Kaone Mokeresete and Bakang Seboko respectively.
The substitutions proved decisive as Gcumeni injected creativity into midfield, while Monaheng provided the pace and width missing in the opening period. Five minutes after the restart, Gcumeni supplied Katlego Molefe, who broke the deadlock with a long range effort from outside the box. Thereafter, Rollers grew in confidence, moving the ball with greater purpose as BDF XI struggled to contain their attacking movement. The Blues doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when Monaheng finished off a move initiated by fellow substitute Molaodi Thalefang, seemingly putting the contest beyond the visitors.
However, BDF XI were handed a lifeline four minutes later when Kgosi Tlalanyane's cross deflected off Rollers defender Elvis Maketo into his own net, setting up a nervy finish. The visitors subsequently pushed forward in search of an equaliser, forcing Rollers to defend their slender advantage until the final whistle. Reflecting on the encounter, Pavlović credited his changes for transforming the team's performance. 'Shaun controlled the midfield, and Levi gave us width and speed. We scored one goal, then the second, and had more opportunities. We should have scored at least three or four goals,' he said. Nevertheless, the Serbian was disappointed by the defensive lapse that allowed BDF XI back into the contest. 'We lost focus and concentration.
At professional level, you have to be focused for 90-plus minutes. It is not finished until it is finished,' he said. Having conceded late against Tonota FC in midweek, the defensive lapse against BDF XI once again exposed Rollers' difficulties in managing matches from winning positions. Despite collecting four league points, Pavlović insists there is considerable room for improvement, particularly in maintaining performance levels throughout matches. 'We play some good football, but not consistently. We play for 10 minutes, five minutes, and then we drop. We have to be more consistent,' he said. Furthermore, the Serbian pointed to fatigue after his side's demanding schedule of three matches in seven days, although he remains optimistic about building on their improved second-half display.
Meanwhile, Pavlović appealed to the Rollers faithful to rally behind the team as they attempt to climb further up the standings. 'We need more supporters. We play for you, we fight for you. You could see in the second half some nice football to watch, attacking chances and scoring. We are going to try to do that,' he said. The teams Township Rollers:
Tshomarelo More, Kaone Kealotswe, Jackie Tapologo, Basiamisi Sebapalo, Elvis Maketo, Katlego Molefe, Bakang Seboko (Levi Monaheng), Marcell Papama (captain), Kaone Mokeresete (Shaun Gcumeni), Wilfred Dithwane (Molaodi Thalefang), Tebogo Mogotsi (Moriana Moriana). BDF XI: Thatayaone Setlhong, Ronnie Kwarare, Molosiwa Molosiwa, Pelontle Lerole, Tapiwa Nyamanjiva, Botlhe Pansiri, Katlego Bogatsu (Mxolisi Mkhonto), Godiraone Modingwane (captain), Kgosi Tlalanyane, Ofentse Mbaiwa (Jacob Everson), Kitso Mpuisang (Norris Mwamba).
Rollers 2 (Molefe 50th, Monaheng 75th) BDF 1 (Maketo o.g 79th)