Kavazovic to raid Rollers
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday January 18, 2019 11:30
After leading Popa to a cup double and historic CAF Champions League group stages qualification, Kavazovic quit Rollers in September to join Kenyan side AFC Leopards.
But he left in a huff for a lucrative offer in the ABSA Premiership in December. He, however, has found the going harder in the neighbouring country after winning just once in three games.
He lost 2-1 in his first game against title contenders Bidvest Wits, won 2-1 against Maritzburg United, before a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Cape Town City on Wednesday. It was Ea La Koto’s heaviest defeat of the season.
The Serbian is looking to add to his defensive options and has approached Rollers for the services of a centre back, Simisane Mathumo. The Zebras captain, who played under Kavazovic, was an ever-present figure in the team in their most successful campaign.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Rollers’ public relations officer, Bafana Pheto confirmed that the club has received offers for Mathumo and his centre back partner, Mosha Gaolaolwe.
He confirmed that Stars and First Division side, T.S Galaxy, want the central pairing. Pheto, however admitted the offers came at a wrong time as the team is chasing a treble; the league, Mascom Top 8 and Orange FA Cup this season but could be forced to sell.
“We have two teams who have enquired about the services of some of key players. Simisane is wanted by Kavazovic at Free State Stars while Mosha Gaolaolwe is a target of T.S Galaxy. Both teams have written to us, but we are still on negotiations,” Pheto said.
“We still have to meet as the club management and look for a way around this. This is bad timing as we are looking to defend both the league and the Mascom Cup. We also want to win FA Cup, but we cannot stand in the players’ way. We will have to face reality and look for a way we to rescue the situation.”
Pheto further said the club has already started to look for replacements.
“We have started running around looking for replacements. These are two players who have been part and parcel of the team. They have been very instrumental in our recent success. It would be very hard to replace them,” he said.
Pheto also confirmed that Rollers’ team manager, Motsheketsi Mafa is being eyed by Mamelodi Sundowns to take up the welfare manager’s position while coach Rodolfo Zapata could make his coaching debut this evening when Rollers take on cross town rivals Notwane.
Meanwhile, Kabelo Seakanyeng has signed with T.S Galaxy after leaving Chippa United while Mogakolodi Ngele and Mpho Kgaswane are being lined up for Europe in the lower leagues. The duo has been sidelined at Sundowns and Baroka FC respectively.
On the other hand, Gaborone United have secured the services of Thatayaone Kgamanyane from Chippa United while Tapiwa Nyamanjiva could join Zebras’ left back, Lesenya Ramoraka at Highlands Park after being invited for assessment.