29 Jul 2014

Township Rollers managing director, Somerset Gobuiwang has encouraged supporters to continue rallying behind the team as it cements itself as a professional entity of note. 

Speaking at the team’s new season launch at UB Amphitheatre on July 27, Gobuiwang said it was important for all stakeholders to unite and work together to ensure that Rollers realise their dream of professionalisation. 

He added that the principle of team work was espoused in the Rollers motto of Popa Popa e a ipopa, which means people find strength in unity.

“As a team we will not benefit from divisions and arguments. Therefore everyone who truly loves Rollers must work with others to ensure that Rollers dominate the 2014-15 season. We must make this season memorable and continue with the legacy that we inherited from those who came before us,” he said.

He further explained that the Rollers brand stood for humility and development, as the team was founded from humble beginnings and grew to become a force to reckon with in local football.

“We are a team of the people. We take children from the streets and turn them into superstars, but we always teach them humility and respect. Our role is to help young players use their God-given talent to earn a living and support their families,” he said

Gobuiwang said Rollers had extended its mandate from just helping young players to realise their football potential to furthering their dream of playing professional football by seeking opportunities for them outside the country.

He gave an example of players such as Mogogi Gabonamong, Phenyo Mongala, Moemedi Moatlhaping, Boitumelo Mafoko, Kabelo Dambe and Mogakolodi Ngele, who played in professional ranks outside the country because of Township Rollers.

“This is who we are. We make dreams come true for our young players. But we can only do that if we stay united,” he said.

He cautioned Rollers supporters not to be carried away but to always remember that the team was formed from humble beginnings in the 1960s, when employees of the department of public works decided to start a football club.

“Little did they know that Rollers would become a national institution that has won a record twelve national championships,” he said.

Gobuiwang also revealed that ever since Rollers was declared a commercial entity in March 2013, the team acquired a new technical team led by coach Madinda Ndlovu as well as a set of new players. 

Still at the event, Rollers unveiled their group of sponsors, who included technical sponsor, Umbro and financial sponsor, Capital Bank who would splash P1.2 million per season on the team. 

Rollers will also receive P300 000 per season from Liberty Insurance, P300 000 worth of accommodation per season from Cresta Lodge, as well as cash a cheque of P150 000 plus P60 000 per season from KlipDrift Cola, and a 48 seater luxury coach.  ENDS