27 Aug 2018

It is not every day you see a player leaving a club to join arch rivals, but when it does happen it sends shivers down the spine of any football follower.

The move one way or the other ignites a fierce rivalry.

Township Rollers raided their blood rivals nest at the end of last season and courted the trio of Tumisang Orebonye, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Jackson Lesole, but the signing that raised eyebrows was Orebonye who finished the season as a runner up of the green boot with 13 goals to his name.

The Zebras international was one of Gaborone United’s polished gems that excelled to the expectations of the club’s badge.

His deadly combination with the departed duo of Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Kabelo Seakanyeng was a marvel to watch on the colours of Gaborone United.

This season, the prolific marksman finds himself across the other divide dawning the famous yellow and blue colours of the cross town rivals, but one thing that still remains is his knack for scoring goals.

Orebonye bagged a brace on his debut as he helped Township Rollers defeat Black Forest. Despite missing much of pre-season friendly matches, it just took 30 minutes for Orebonye to get off the mark for Rollers as he showed zero signs of rust.

In an interview, the goal poacher reflected on his move away from Gaborone United.

“I have to be honest, I am very much grateful to what everyone at Gaborone United had done for me, the club has a special place in my heart and I am glad we parted ways on amicable terms. In football you’re bound to make difficult choices, and I made one as I am now a Rollers player who is proud to be part of the club,” he said.

When quizzed on the competition he faces for a starting berth at Township Rollers given the quality at the club, the striker said nothing was given on a silver platter hence the need to work hard.

“The competition for places in the team is just what we need to bring out our best as players. I thrive on competition and I believe the competition will help me grow into a better player given the vast experience surrounding me,” said Orebonye.

Orebonye heaped praise on Rollers physical fitness trainer Chyna Mokaila for helping him during pre-season to get into shape and regain fitness.

“As you know before I joined Rollers I was struggling with a recurring knee injury that kept me off the field last season, so my match fitness was not up to scratch hence when I joined Rollers I had to follow a special training programme under the guidance of Mokaila, and I must appreciate the work he put in to get me back into full fitness,” he said.

With two goals already in the opening game of the campaign, Orebonye hinted that his target for this season was to help Rollers win every silverware on offer and  reach a tally of 30 goals to his name.

“I am here to win trophies and grow as a player, and I believe my targets are all achievable because of the quality of players here, the amazing supporters who I must admit have made me feel at home since my transfer,” noted Orebonye.

The Palapye-born striker has also taken the disappointment of not securing an overseas contract in his stride by waiting for the perfect time.

“I believe my time will come,  and I will continue working hard hopefully after another season or two I will be somewhere abroad,” he said. ENDS