21 Sep 2026

The rebirth of Township Rollers’ under new management appears to be on course following a hard fought 3-0 victory against Extension Gunners at the National Stadium on Sunday.

The win, secured through Marcell Papama’s brace and Onkarabile Ratanang’s goal, marks an important developmental milestone for the club.

While it was far from a flawless display, the result lifted Popa to sixth place in the FNB Premier League standings, demonstrating the necessary grit for a successful rebuild.

After battling a severe financial and administrative crisis marked by unpaid player salaries, FIFA transfer bans and leadership upheaval, which was followed by an exodus of senior players, Rollers seems to be finding their mojo back as it started the current season’s campaign with wind beneath its wings.

The 16-time Botswana Premier league champions had a rocky start of the season, presenting only seven players on its season derby against Jwaneng Galaxy, a fixture that was called off after one of Popa players was unable to continue with the match after sustaining a serious injury. 

Nonetheless, the team’s fortunes seem to have turned around since the arrival of local businessman, Hope Kontle.

The arrival of Kontle, under Hope Tee Energy as the team’s platinum sponsor, seems to be steering the Rollers ship to safer shores. 

Following a not so convincing one-all draw against Morupule Wonderous in their previous game, Rollers approached the Sunday fixture against yesteryears archrivals, Gunners with more confidence with Papama opening his goal scoring account in the 53rd minute.

Papama got a second in the 82nd minute with Ratanang putting the icing on the cake with a stunning free kick in the dying minutes of the game.

The sending off of Gunners goal keeper, Kabelo Dambe early in the 17th minute for handling the ball outside the box, might have had an impact on the final outcome of the game, as it resulted in Gunner’s head coach Paradazayi Madivenga making some makeshift changes sacrificing Resaobaka Thatanyane for Kagiso Mekgwe.

Playing the majority of the game with 10 men, Gunners had to chase the game in an effort to stay in contention, but Rollers’ composure was good enough to secure three points.

 

In a post-match interview, Gunners’ gaffer attributed the loss to Dambe’s red card, which he said affected the entire game plan.

“Dambe’s experience is obviously key to our team and losing him that early was a major blow to us, we had to play for almost an hour with a man down,” he said.

Rollers’ captain and man of the match, Papama said their victory was a result of hard work and determination.

“The team has been working extremely hard during training and it is only fitting for the hard work to be paying now,” Papama said.

Papama nonetheless cautioned his teammates of complacency and not to bask in the glory of Gunners victory.

Though the league marathon is still in its infancy, Rollers are now 6th on the league standing, with four points, while Gunners occupy third position with six points.

Meanwhile, in other league games played over the weekend, Sua Flamingoes played to a one-all draw with debutants, Enesia while Police XI and Orapa United also played to a goalless draw. ENDS