ROLLERS CAF ASPIRATIONS PUT TO THE TEST
• Test of Character for Nikola’s lads
• Coach predicts slim chance of Victory
• Rollers in group of death
KABO RAMASIA
Correspondent
Botswana based Township Rollers will have their fighting spirit and character put to the test as they attempt to take on African heavyweights in their quest for continental silverware.
The Palestinians who became the first local side to reach the group stages when they secured an aggregate 2-1 win against Tanzanian’s Young Africans will not enjoy an easy route in their endeavor to bring home the cup.
The final round draw which was hosted in Egypt earlier this week pitted Popa against 8 times winners of the competition Al Ahly, Ugandan Kampala Capital City Authority FC (KCCA), Tunisian Esperance Sportive de Tunis(EST), the teams will square off in Group A. In the remaining groups the teams to look out for are TP Mazembe from DR Congo who needs no introduction to the competition, South African side Mamelodi Sundowns will look to be a menace in group C whilst in group D Primero de Agosto who knocked out another South African side Bidvest Wits will look to sail through ahead of Zambian Zesco United.
In a post-match interview after the Saturday game, the Rollers mentor Nikola Kavazovic ruled out chances of his team prevailing all the way to top, “There is maybe 0.5 percentage chance for Township Rollers to win this Championship.” The coach highlighted that their efforts may be thwarted by a constrained budget and lack of facilities. The outspoken Nikola also hinted that their support base obviously does not match that of their competitors. According to the Serbian tactician that is the most realistic picture of what is to come. When asked about their chances of winning the league he said that, “the realistic picture is that we have the same points with Galaxy and we have a game in hand.’’
Meanwhile veteran player Tshepo “Talk –Talk’’ Motlhabankwe expressed merriness over their team’s rare achievement, “It is a good thing advancing to the group stages because most of us have long tried at the national team without success. We are not many who have played at that level.” Talkie who was over the moon was of the view that for many of the players and supports, this was more like qualifying for AFCON. The experienced Rollers campaigner expressed his gratitude to the coach and supporters who inspired them to victory, “The coach told us we must do what we know best. As for the supporters I can just say thank you as they helped us.”
This is Rollers biggest test ever, and with the current squad they will look to conquer Africa and leave an everlasting legacy for themselves. The group stages are a litmus test for the Township Rollers endurance, home support will be equally tested as Bastwana from all walks of life spur them on to success.
Correspondent
Botswana based Township Rollers will have their fighting spirit and character put to the test as they attempt to take on African heavyweights in their quest for continental silverware.
The Palestinians who became the first local side to reach the group stages when they secured an aggregate 2-1 win against Tanzanian’s Young Africans will not enjoy an easy route in their endeavor to bring home the cup.
The final round draw which was hosted in Egypt earlier this week pitted Popa against 8 times winners of the competition Al Ahly, Ugandan Kampala Capital City Authority FC (KCCA), Tunisian Esperance Sportive de Tunis(EST), the teams will square off in Group A. In the remaining groups the teams to look out for are TP Mazembe from DR Congo who needs no introduction to the competition, South African side Mamelodi Sundowns will look to be a menace in group C whilst in group D Primero de Agosto who knocked out another South African side Bidvest Wits will look to sail through ahead of Zambian Zesco United.
In a post-match interview after the Saturday game, the Rollers mentor Nikola Kavazovic ruled out chances of his team prevailing all the way to top, “There is maybe 0.5 percentage chance for Township Rollers to win this Championship.” The coach highlighted that their efforts may be thwarted by a constrained budget and lack of facilities. The outspoken Nikola also hinted that their support base obviously does not match that of their competitors. According to the Serbian tactician that is the most realistic picture of what is to come. When asked about their chances of winning the league he said that, “the realistic picture is that we have the same points with Galaxy and we have a game in hand.’’
Meanwhile veteran player Tshepo “Talk –Talk’’ Motlhabankwe expressed merriness over their team’s rare achievement, “It is a good thing advancing to the group stages because most of us have long tried at the national team without success. We are not many who have played at that level.” Talkie who was over the moon was of the view that for many of the players and supports, this was more like qualifying for AFCON. The experienced Rollers campaigner expressed his gratitude to the coach and supporters who inspired them to victory, “The coach told us we must do what we know best. As for the supporters I can just say thank you as they helped us.”
This is Rollers biggest test ever, and with the current squad they will look to conquer Africa and leave an everlasting legacy for themselves. The group stages are a litmus test for the Township Rollers endurance, home support will be equally tested as Bastwana from all walks of life spur them on to success.
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