02 Jun 2025

Multitudes of mourners gathered in Molepolole on Saturday to bid farewell to a renowned cattle baron and former Township Rollers football legend and staunch supporter, Geoffrey Matsila, who died tragically in a freak accident after he was run over by his own vehicle on Tuesday while preparing to leave for his cattle post. 

The late 78-year-old, widely respected across the Kweneng district for his passion for livestock farming and contributions to local football, was laid to rest on Saturday following an emotional funeral service attended by family, friends, farmers, and football lovers from all walks of life. According to their neighbour, Ms Mmadipodi Keikanne, the accident occurred early Tuesday morning. 

She recounted how the deceased’s wife, Ms Bokamoso Matsila, rushed to their home for help after finding her husband pinned down by the vehicle.

“My husband and I rushed to their home and found him stumped by the front tyre,” Ms Keikanne said.  Together, they used a jack to lift the vehicle and remove him. An ambulance was called, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Scottish Livingstone Hospital,” she explained. 

Ms Keikanne said it was suspected that the vehicle, which had been left running, rolled backward because the handbrake was not engaged. She said the deceased may have attempted to stop it and, in the process, fell and was run over. 

The vehicle had reportedly been loaded for the cattle post trip, and the weight may have contributed to the severity of the incident. 

His wife had briefly gone back inside the house before the accident occurred. However, the exact circumstances remain under police investigation. Speaking at the funeral, Mr Jack Matsila, one of the family elders, revealed that the deceased had been on his way to fetch cattle for the Kweneng Beef Farmers Association Field Day, which was held the same Saturday in Molepolole. 

He served as the chairperson of the association, and the cattle he was collecting were to be exhibited at the event. The association’s secretary, Mr Sebala Leshomo, described him as a visionary and tireless leader who revived the Kweneng Beef Farmers Association in 2016. That same year, the field day was hosted at his farm. 

“He was instrumental during the height of COVID-19 in 2021, when the association donated 11 cattle, P7 800, and three small stock to government’s COVID-19 relief programme,” Leshomo explained. 

“In 2023, under his leadership, we hosted another successful farmers’ day at Thipakaebaa cattle post, where we had invited Former President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi. Though the President couldn’t attend, he sent the then Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi, on his behalf,” he noted. 

Mr Leshomo further stated that when his term ended in 2022, the association lost momentum and collapsed, but he was later co-opted back to revive it. 

“His absence at this year’s field day, which happened to fall on the day of his funeral, deeply affected us. His cattle, known for their outstanding quality, would have elevated the exhibition. His passing has left a huge leadership vacuum,” Mr Leshomo said. 

Fellow farmer, Mr Molefi Keaja, described him as an astute cattleman who introduced him to the Charolais breed, and teaching him how to run farming as a business enterprise. “He understood cattle farming not just as tradition, but as a professional operation,” he said. 

Matsila’s other great passion was football, particularly Township Rollers Football Club, where he was a former player, lifelong supporter, and founding member of the City Rollers Social Club. 

A memorial service was held in his honour by the club on Friday. Club chairperson, Mr Bafana Pheto remembered him fondly. “When we joined Rollers, we found him already established. He was known by the name ‘Sliding’ in football circles. He even offered his house in Gaborone to be used as the club’s office. That’s how committed he was,” Mr Pheto said. 

Mr Pheto went further to narrate that Matsila was especially influential during Rollers’ 60th anniversary celebrations, helping reconnect the club with its earliest legends, including the second goalkeeper from the club’s early days in Kanye. 

“He contributed his finances, his livestock, and his heart to the club,” he said. 

Mr Tsotsi Matsila, his brother, also attested to his football obsession. 

“When Rollers played, everything else stopped. I remember once he took his daughter, Mpho, to a match in Gaborone. After Rollers lost, he was so upset he forgot her at the stadium. The club’s bus brought her home later!” he told the mourners. 

His only son, Mr Kagiso Matsila, said his father’s love for people and the club was unmatched.

“When we lived in Gaborone, our house just a stone’s throw from the National Stadium was the club’s unofficial change room. 

I became a Rollers ball boy just by being his son,” he said. 

His long time friend, Mr Morwalela Seema, said their friendship began in the 1970s. 

“He played left wing-back and hated losing. A knee injury ended his playing days early, but he remained devoted to the sport,” he explained.  Mr Charity Madisa, from City Rollers Social Club, said Matsila’s death had shattered them. 

“He was the founding president of our club. He was the financial and emotional backbone of the club. Who will fill that void?” he asked rhetorically. 

He also said he coined the phrase ‘Next Time’ a slogan meant to encourage players and fans after a tough match. 

Notably, at the club’s 2015 Annual General Meeting, according to the club Secretary, Mr Orbet Kgati, Matsila is said to have advised that Rollers should never be fully sold to private investors, recommending that 20 per cent remain with the members while 80 per cent could go to shareholders, a principle the club still upholds today. The late Matsila was set to celebrate 50 years of marriage with his wife in October. He leaves behind three children and grandchildren as well as two siblings. He was born in May 7, 1947 and died on May 27, 2025. ENDS