03 Jul 2019

The winds of change are already sweeping through Township Rollers technical team, as the reigning BTC Premiership champions confirmed the appointment of Tomas Trucha as their head coach on a one year contract for the 2019/2020 season.

The 48-year-old Czech Republic-born tactician, who holds UEFA B and A PRO licenses, was introduced  to the media on July 2 by Rollers chairperson, Jagdish Shah.

Trucha replaces Rodolfo Zapata, who was sacked by the team management at the end of the season despite the Argentinean gaffer wining the league championship and being the Orange FA Cup finalist.

Trucha is the third tactician to be deployed by Rollers in three consecutive season, with  his predecessors Nikola Kavazovic and Zapata all dwindling by the wayside despite championship honours.

However, Trucha is no stranger to the local football scene as he had a brief spell with Orapa United last season, where he replaced Bongani Mafu before he was unceremoniously stripped off his duty due to contractual issues. Rollers also unveiled Zachariah Muzazi as the new assistant coach, who is not a new comer to the team, as he previously sat on Rollers dugout during the Madinda Ndlovu era.

One of Rollers long serving technical member, Thabo Motang retained his position as the goalkeeper coach while Chyna Mokaila will continue as the physical trainer.

Addressing the media, Shah expressed confidence on his technical team saying the management had assembled a strong technical team that would maintain the team’s performance high standard and achievement.

He said Trucha brings with him credible qualifications that would solidify Rollers’ position as a powerhouse not only in the country, but also in continental competitions.

Apart from been mandated to defend the league title and  all local competitions, Shah stated that, Trucha’s main target would be to reach the CAF champions league group stages.

It is however not all rosy at Rollers, as the team is on a contractual standoff with its talisman Joel Mogorosi.

“We are still in the process of negotiating a one year contract extension with Mogorosi, but the player seems to be reluctant to sign a new contract hence his stay with Rollers this coming season is still in limbo, as we are doubtful that he will sign a new contract,” Shah said.

He however announced that the team had parted ways with rightback Thato Bolweleng, midfielders Ntesang Simanyana and  Uganda  international player, Ivan Intenge and defender Oscar Ncenga.

Shah further stated that Rollers would as part of  their pre-season training play a friendly  against Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs on July 20. For his part, Trucha said his desire was to win all local trophies. He added that Rollers had a tradition of winning and it was upon him to maintain the wining culture.

Trucha noted  that he was aware of the pressure that comes with coaching a big team like Rollers therefore pleaded with the supporters to keep on rallying behind the team. ENDS