Players� transfers: The hits and misses
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday July 31, 2015 11:48
Township Rollers
Mogogi Gabonamong: Gino’s experience will be key for Rollers in their attempt to reclaim glory. He comes at a time when Rollers have been relying heavily on Malawian midfielder, Lawrence Majawa in the holding midfield role. His arrival is a plus since he can also fit perfectly in central defence.
Verdict: He adds depth and experience- A hit
Kabelo Dambe to Rollers: His arrival although is celebrated by supporters is expected to create a dilemma for the technical team. Rollers already have three national team goalkeepers, Noah Maposa, Mwampule Masule and Keagile Kgosipula.
Dambe’s arrival will definitely pave way for one of the goalkeeper’s departure. Another promising goalkeeper, Bobby Mathe has reportedly joined Police XI.
Verdict: Although he has undoubted quality, Rollers are covered in his department- A miss
Modiredi Matengu: He hardly put his foot wrong at Sankoyo Bush Bucks where he marshaled the defence. His arrival is expected to boost his profile although he will have to compete for a starting berth with the likes of Oscar Ncenga, Tshepo Motlhabankwe and Leutlwetse Tshireletso.
Simisane Mathumo also switched to that position last season although he is naturally a right back. His arrival also spells doom for young central defenders at Rollers among them Bogosi Kaekwe who was already finding it hard to break into the team last season.
Verdict: He has the quality, but there is enough talent for his position. It can turn out both ways; a hit and miss
Galagwe Moyana: Moyana finally joined Rollers after being linked with the club for almost six months since his return from South Africa. Just like Matengu, Moyana is expected to provide cover in an already crowded department.
Rollers coach, Mark Harrison requested for a left footed winger when he arrived and Moyana was immediately approached as a free agent. Rollers are already spoilt for choice on the wings with Kobamelo Kebaikanye, Gofaone Tiro, Sekhana Koko, Motsholetsi Sikele all deserving starters in the team. With free kick specialist, Otlantshekela Mooketsi injury prone, Moyana will definitely come handy in dead balls.
Verdict: Just like Dambe and Matengu, Moyana has the quality but with many players in his position this can turn out both ways; hit and miss
Carl Finnigan: He comes with a big reputation having played for Newcastle United in England, but whether he will adapt to the local game remains a doubt. He showed some brilliant touches during the Kabelano Charity Cup, but does not seem to be the solution for Rollers’ goal scoring problems.
Verdict: Might not be what Rollers is looking for to solve their scoring problems; miss
Extension Gunners
Tshegofatso Chimuku : A very quick and highly skilful winger who is expected to improve Gunners’ creativity going forward. Chimuku was a stand-out player during Letlapeng’s unsuccessful campaign in the elite league last season.
With Topo Piet currently struggling with injury and Kelelelo Kgosimore inconsistent, Chimuku is a perfect signing as they attempt to challenge for honours this season.
Verdict: Hit
Amos Godirwang: Shoes knows how it feels like to be a winner. He has won both the league and Top 8 honours with Rollers before moving to Mochudi Centre Chiefs and then Notwane.
He had a fantastic debut for Gunners in the Kabelano Charity Cup despite his team ending on the losing side. With Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile having permanently moved to the defence, Godirwang will be the key in the middle.
Verdict: Hit
Oabile Makopo: Gunners seem to have found a perfect replacement for Katlego Koobake at left back with the signing of Makopo. The youngster played for Notwane last season and was part of Pio Paul’s national Under-23 side.
Against Rollers in the Kabelano Charity Cup, he looked solid in defence and also comfortable moving forward on the wing. At his age, he looks destined to become one of the finest left backs this coming season. Verdict: Hit
Mochudi Centre Chiefs
Jackie Mothatego: Mothatego is one of the best ball distributors in the league and Chiefs wasted no time in securing his services after the player was released by Gaborone United (GU). He is expected to partner Lesego Galenamotlhale in the middle after the departure of Ocean Mpofu although it appears like they needed a more defensive player.
Verdict: Hit
Charles Mutero: His arrival is expected to provide stability at the back where Chiefs seem weak despite winning the league title last season. Whether he will be able to adapt to the style of play is yet to be known. Against quick Rollers attackers, he looked shaky during the final of the Kabelano Charity Cup.
Verdict: It might turn out both ways; hit and miss
Mpho Kgaswane: Kgaswane joined his younger brother, Kaelo at Chiefs this transfer window. They were also teammates at Gaborone United. Chiefs needed him especially after they failed to register Tshepo Motlhabankwe last season. They have also lost Sekgabo Molebatsi to Jwaneng Galaxy.
Verdict: Hit
Gaborone United
Katlego Koobake: On paper, GU have made one of the high profile signings with the arrival of ‘Sissoko’. Arguably the best crosser, Koobake’s arrival will force Edwin Olerile to push a little bit forward. Gumbo has always preferred to use Olerile as a winger rather than a full back.
Verdict: Hit
Tshepo Maikano: GU have released both Letsweletse Seane and Gobonyeone Selefa as they look to revamp their defence. Their departure followed the arrival of Maikano from Gunners.
Despite being a natural right back, Maikano was shifted to the heart of the defence at Gunners and fitted in perfectly. He is expected to partner Gaopatwe Seosenyeng this coming season although Gunners are challenging his transfer.
Verdict: Hit
The ‘undone’ deals
Joel Mogorosi to Rollers: Mogorosi has also been linked with a move to Rollers although he is said to be still looking for a team in South Africa.
Should his move to Rollers materialise, he will compete for the position on the right wing with Gofaone Tiro, Motsholetsi Sikele and Sekhana Koko
Verdict: Rollers has enough on the wings- A miss
Mkhanyeseli Siwahla to Chiefs: The skilful winger took part in the Kabelano Charity Cup as a guest player for Magosi and left a lasting impression. Chiefs are said to have opted to sign him instead of Patrick Kaunda since they only had one remaining spot for a foreign player.
Verdict: Chiefs need his pace and skill- A hit
Hendrick Moyo to GU: Moyo was one of the stand-out performers for Orapa United, finishing with 14goals just one behind leading goalscorer, Lemponye Tshireletso. Gaborone United is still negotiating for his services and he will be useful after the Reds parted with Ronald Chikomo and Tebogo Sembowa.
Verdict: Hit
Morris Ruzivo (not decided): Ruzivo proved prolific for Sankoyo Bush Bucks with 11goals. A move to Extension Gunners fell through this week but whoever signs the Zimbabwean is likely to benefit.
Verdict: Hit