Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
JUST four months after losing sponsorship from Zimbabwean businessman Tendani Sebata, Township Rollers are now in a financial crisis and failed to fulfil their match against Calendar Stars on Thursday after players boycotted due to unpaid salaries.
Township Rollers started the 2025/2026 FNB Botswana Premiership on a promising note, winning four and drawing two in their opening six games but financial obligations are now taking their toll on the club.
In a circular to the media, the Botswana Football League said it will deal with the matter “in accordance with the established governance processes”.
Wrote the BFL: “Reference is made to the above match (Township Rollers vs Calendar Stars) which was called off by the match commissioner today (Thursday) at GU Stadium.
“Township Rollers Football Club did not honour the scheduled fixture.
“The League remains committed to upholding the integrity of the competition and ensuring that all fixtures are conducted fairly and in line with the regulations.”
Such is the dire situation at Township Rollers that fans have started contributing funds to help the players.
According to sources, the Botswana football giants are failing to settle a number of obligations, including player salaries.
Sebata, who funded Township Rollers through his South African-based company Sebata Holdings, withdrew his sponsorship on May 31 and is now the owner of another Premiership side, Black Lions.
However, Township Rollers are confident they will soon come out of the crisis.
“Despite all the challenges, we are actively re-evaluating our strategies and seeking alternative solutions to ensure that our team’s needs are prioritised. We are working around the clock to have a permanent solution to these challenges,” the club said in a statement.
Although reasons for Sebata’s decision to quit Township Rollers were not publicly shared, a statement from Sebata Holdings released in April raised serious concerns about the club’s governance.
