END OF THE ROAD: Rollers want return to glory days, fire coach Thabo Motang
In a week the country was excited by news that local coach Daniel Chicco Nare was appointed Mochudi Centre Chiefs Head Coach, premiership giants Township Rollers on the other hand parted ways with another local coach Thabo Motang in what has been described as ‘mutual.’
Just after lunch time this Friday afternoon, Rollers announced the news but gave very little on why the two parties have gone their separate ways. It is deductible however, from the last paragraph of Rollers’ statement announcing the separation, that the club may not have been happy with the results.
The statement ends with words that say: “Let us approach 2023 with renewed hope and optimism. We are determined more than ever to get back on track and take Township Rollers to where it belongs! Happy days shall return!”
This could be an indication that Popa feel that Motang is not taking them to where they feel they should be. For the past two seasons, Rollers have operated under the shadows of their bitter crosstown rivals Gaborone United and may not be enjoying the dry spell that saw United win trophy after trophy instead.
At the moment Popa sit on an unfamiliar position 4 of the league table, with 18 points while United are seven points clear at the top with 25 points. Recently Popa were beaten 3-0 by Masitaoka in what was their first but painful loss of the season, and could neither win their following match against Jwaneng Galaxy which they drew 2-2. This helped teams above them to open wider gaps although they would later beat Morupule Wonderers 1-0 just before the Christmas break.
Reads the rest of Rollers’ statement: “This serves to inform Ma-Popa that the Club and Coach Thabo “Mahala” Motang have agreed to part ways amicably with immediate effect. We wish to thank Mr. Motang for his time with us and wish him all the best for his future endeavours. We wish to inform you further that Management shall move swiftly to find a replacement before the resumption of the season.”
There were obviously mixed feelings on this decision, with some expressing disappointment and calling for clubs to be patient with coaches, while other supporter hailed the decision as a good move, saying Motang was clueless on how to lead the club to victory in their matches.
