10 hours agoIs a Rollers-Shah reunion on the horizon?

Shah, a longtime patron and a pivotal figure in Rollers’ recent glories, has repeatedly been linked to tentative overtures aimed at a comeback. Those attempts, however, have been consistently thwarted by political undercurrents, whispers persist that certain power brokers aligned with the ruling elite are uneasy about Shah’s reappearance at an institution whose influence stretches far beyond the pitch. Insiders reveal that Shah’s potential return remains a political hot potato.

Media chatter points to resistance from senior members within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), who purportedly hold sway over football’s governance and view Shah’s comeback with suspicion. The worry, it seems, is that Shah, a known Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) stalwart who served as party treasurer until May, might exploit his ties to Rollers to rally political support or funnel resources in favor of the BDP. The speculation received fresh fuel when Rollers abruptly ended their relationship with technical sponsor Zonetwo, opting to revive their longstanding partnership with Umbro.

This move has been widely read as more than a mere business decision. “Remember that in the past Shah openly spoke about the volume of business Rollers was generating through merchandise sales when Umbro was the technical sponsor,” a source confided toWeekendPost. “That partnership worked for both sides, and it brought money into the club.” The source also highlighted the fate of O3 Beverages, Rollers’ hydration sponsor during Shah’s leadership, which quickly abandoned the club following his 2023 departure, a development now seen as a telling barometer.

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“When Shah left, O3 was gone almost immediately. Those sponsors were closely linked to him. The fact that Umbro is back now is being read by many as a sign that Shah could also be on his way back,” the source added.

However, Shah’s potential comeback unfolds amid a politically charged theater. Political meddling in the club’s affairs is increasingly blatant, complicating efforts to regain stability. One example, insiders say, is the recent induction of Tumelo Legase, president of the Botswana National Front (BNF) Youth League, onto the Rollers executive committee.

It’s believed that long-time Rollers supporter Dr. Edwin Dikoloti played a key role in this appointment. According to sources, this move is perceived by some as part of a broader strategy to keep a close eye on the club’s financial dealings.

There is growing unease in political and football circles about the flow of money within local clubs, with unproven allegations swirling around questionable financial practices. “The politics around Rollers right now is intense,” an insider revealed. “There are people who want to understand exactly how the club generates money and how cash moves. That is why some of these appointments are being made.”

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