02 Feb 2026

A solitary goal by South African centre-forward, Julius Likontsane in the 75^th minute handed Morupule Wanderers a morale-boosting 1-0 triumph over Township Rollers in the FNB Premiership encounter at the Royal Aria Stadium on January 31. 
The Palapye Coalboys’ also known as Bafana Ba Magala, secured their seventh win of the season, leapfrogging Rollers into sixth position on the log with 24 points.
Meanwhile, Popa endured their third consecutive loss since the league resumed, dropping to seventh on 23 points.
A casual glance at the stands, which were empty save for the grandstand, was unlikely to intimidate the visitors in the slightest.
Wanderers strolled into their hosts’ dungeon with confidence akin to the biblical Daniel preparing to tame beasts in the lion’s den.
The match began as an evenly balanced, open contest, with both sides going hammer and tongs at each other rather than employing a cautious low block.
As the first half wore on, Rollers dominated possession.
However, as was the case in their recent losses to Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United, poor decision-making in the final third and a lacklustre finish cost the Blues.
Rollers right-back, Lemogang Maswena looked lively on the overlap but missed a couple of gilt-edged chances.
As play resumed after the halftime recess, Wanderers’ coach, Agang Mogotsi brought on the eventual goalscorer, Likontsane, to replace Gaone Japane. On the hour mark, Rollers introduced Lehlohonolo Fothoane and Kago Monyake for Thatayaone Ramatlapeng and Botshelo Mangena, but the Blues still struggled to stamp their authority.
Instead, Wanderers grew in confidence and began threatening the Rollers’ goal, forcing keeper Karamelo Kgosipula into several critical saves. Morupule launchedfrequent forays through Obonwe Maome, who was in his element against his former club.
Likontsane finally broke the deadlock in the 75^th minute to seal the Wanderers’ triumph, compounding Rollers’ poor start to the 2026 calendar year.
Another former Rollers player, Maano Ditshupo, was brought on late for Maome, a deep-lying midfielder for an offensive one, as Mogotsi applied game management tactics to see out the 1-0 result.
Meanwhile, the weekend’s action kicked off on January 30 night with Hendrick Moyo’s headed goal handing Mochudi Centre Chiefs a 1-0 win over Calendar Stars.
The result keeps championship dark horses ‘Magosi’ third on the log with 30 points, 10 adrift of pacesetters Gaborone United (GU) and seven behind title contenders Jwaneng Galaxy.
Goals in either half by Omatla Kebatho and Moagi Sechele helped second-placed Galaxy secure a 2-0 home win over Black Lions in Jwaneng on February 1.
Galaxy have now reduced the margin at the summit to three points after league leaders, GU played to a goalless draw away to Nico United at the Sam Sono Stadium on January 31.
Santa Green, under the tutelage of Phil Makhwengwe, continued to pick up crucial points in a 2-2 draw with Extension Gunners.
The four points earned from their last two encounters push Santa Green into 13^th place.
Conversely, historic crowd-pullers, Gunners sit in a precarious 16^th position, desperately needing points to safeguard their top-flight status.
In other matches, Sua Flamingoes defeated Orapa United 3-1, while Matebele FC overcame BDF XI 2-1. Police XI and TAFIC played to a 0-0 draw. ENDS