Popa, Majatlhaga open new season
Township Rollers and Masitaoka are set to clash in the opening game of the 2023/ 2024 Botswana Football League ( BFL) season at the National Stadium on Saturday. Both teams have made significant changes to their squads and coaching staff, making this an intriguing encounter.
Township Rollers, also known as Popa, have bolstered their squad with several new additions. Coach Innocent Morapedi will be leading the team from the dugout, and he will be relying on the impressive pre- season form of former Orlando Pirates’ winger, Thabo Rakhale.
The team has also acquired talented players such as Lethogonolo Chenjela, Obonwe Maome, Tshepo Matete, and Omphile Vissage, among others. With these new signings, Popa will be looking to showcase their attacking prowess and to control the game’s tempo.
On the other hand, Masitaoka, with first assistant coach, Mopholosi Reaitsanye and second assistant Kagiso Bogelo, will be aiming to start the season strongly despite losing some key players. South African striker, Rameez Dharsey will be a
notable name to watch, along with central defensive midfielder, Obakeng Senono, goalkeeper, Tshomarelo More, right back, Botsile Sakana, and
Namibian striker, Romin Berndt.
Although lacking big names, Masitaoka boasts a dedicated and hardworking squad, whose performance will be influenced by the coaching staff. Both teams will be implementing tactical changes with their new coaches and players.
Popa will have more firepower in their attacking department, with players like Vissage looking to make an attacking impact.
Maome will be crucial in controlling the game’s tempo. After struggling in the league for several seasons, Popa will be eager to start the season on a strong note and redeem themselves this season and a positive start will be on the minds of the coaching staff and the players at large over the weekend.
Masitaoka, on the other hand, will be determined to prove their worth despite losing some key players; the side has been a hoodoo team to Township Rollers in the past few years, beating them when it mattered the most. A few seasons ago they eliminated them in the Orange FA Cup semis. Majatlhaga squad may lack star power, but their dedication and hard work will be evident on the field. The influence of their assistant coaches will also be a factor to watch out for. As the opening game of the BFL season, this match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair. Fans can expect both teams to give their all and set the tone for the rest of the season.