What should Rollers do with fringe players?
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday August 7, 2020 12:37
Goalkeepers
Kabelo Maphakela
The young goal minder completed his second full season with the Blues without making a competitive appearance. He was given playing minutes in a pre-season international friendly against South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2019. He has made a couple of appearances on the bench, but the Under-20 goalkeeper is unlikely to claim the number one jersey soon.
Verdict: Loan
Keeagile Kgosipula: ‘Skheza’ was a regular in the history-making Rollers side of 2018, but he has since fell down the pecking order behind Kabelo Dambe and Wagarre Dikago. His off-field issues with the club are not helping his cause.
He was earlier this year suspended for missing training. Kgosipula possesses all the ingredients of a modern day sweeper-keeper. Once tipped to make the Zebras number one jersey his, and at the age of 24 he should be getting regular game time either at Popa or anywhere else. Champions Jwaneng Galaxy are said to be keen on his signature.
Verdict: Sell
Defenders
Brian Botsang
After impressing at Notwane for three seasons, Botsang’s progress at Rollers was halted by injuries. The young centre back was seen as a long-term replacement for Mosha Gaolaolwe, who left Rollers for TS Galaxy in South Africa. However, an injury has kept him out of action for almost half a year. His quality is undoubted and once he gets back to full recovery he will be a beater in the heart of the Blues’ defence. He faces competition from Arnold Mampori, Ofentse Nato and Simisane Mathumo.
Verdict: Keep
Jackson Lesole
The flying full back’s time at Rollers is almost over. His two-year contract ended in June. Since his arrival at Rollers from cross-town rivals, Gaborone United (GU), Lesole has never made the right full back spot his own. Of recent, wingers Kamogelo Matsabu and Motsholetsi Sikele have been converted to the defensive role as Lesole watched from the stands for most part of the season. At 28, he should weigh his options and look for a regular spot elsewhere.
Verdict: Sell
Midfielders
Phenyo Serameng
Serameng has not enjoyed his first season with Rollers. Popa clinched his signature ahead of GU in the off-season after he impressed at BDF XI. He showed all the characteristics of a traditional Rollers’ winger, speed, trickiness and an eye for goal. He, however, struggled to break in to the Rollers starting XI, or even making the bench. With attackers, Lemponye Tshireletso and Edwin Moalosi past their prime, Serameng’s chance could be fast approaching.
Verdict: Keep
Mooketsi Gareonne
He moved from being a hero at Miscellaneous to just another squad member at Rollers. Gareonne has failed to convince the Rollers coaching team of holding the midfield role.
Ugandan, Ivan Mbowa has been preferred in the position, as centre backs Nato and Mampori have occasionally got the nod ahead of Gareonne. He cannot keep warming the bench and at 32 he looks to be on his way out of Popa with just a year in to his two-year deal.
Verdict: Sell
Forwards
Kitso Mpuisang
The 23-year-old striker finished with 13 goals for Prisons XI before making the switch to Rollers. Just four goals for the Blues this season, the striker has not done enough to claim his spot in the starting XI.
He, however, has the qualities of a 15-plus goals a season striker. He is good in the air, has a powerful shot and his positioning is one of the best in the league. A loan move could help him get his confidence back.
Verdict: Loan
Francis Afriyie
To be fair the Ghanaian has to be given a chance at Rollers. Six goals in 11 appearances in the Kenyan League say a lot about the January recruit.
He is not an out-and-out striker but he knows how to get into goal scoring positions. Who can forget the scene he caused at Royal Aria in a league game in February. The hope is that he has put the incident behind him and is focusing on getting goals.
Verdict: Keep