Botswana’s Township Rollers FC unveil coach Thodesen

Botswana’s Township Rollers FC’s hunt for a substantive coach has come to a logical conclusion.

Township Rollers FC have unveiled Tor Thodesen as their new head coach. The contract duration has not been stated.

📸 TUESDAY TRAINING SESSION.

The #Blues return from the Easter break💛🤍🩵#Popa #SebataGroup pic.twitter.com/AeiFTm6THN

— Township Rollers FC (@rollersfc) April 22, 2025

The 16-time FNB Premiership champions announced the hiring of the Norwegian on Thursday. The experienced tactician has filled the void created by the resignation of Srdan Zivojnov months ago amid financial challenges.

Who is Tor Thodesen?

In a statement, the club that is also called Popa touted Thodesen as an accomplished football strategist with experience of coaching in Europe, Asia and Africa.

“Township Rollers Football Club proudly unveils Tor Thodesen as Head Coach, a globally respected football leader tasked with driving a new era of excellence, identity, and competitive dominance,” reads the statement.

“Born on 3 March 1966, the Norwegian tactician brings over three decades of elite coaching experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His journey reflects a career built on high-performance environments, player development, and the ability to transform teams into disciplined, results-driven units.”

Achievements of Thodesen

The 60-year-old is said to have consistently demonstrated leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the modern football in his career.

His achievements include earning Sandefjord FC promotion to the Norwegian top division and securing Norwegian Cup final appearance.

Among personal milestones, the UEFA Pro Licence holder was named Norwegian Coach of the Year 2006.

The statement further credits the coach for successfully managing and rebuilding competitive teams across multiple leagues, including in Finland.

“A coach shaped by diverse football cultures, Thodesen brings a global football perspective into the Township Rollers technical setup, blending structure, intelligence, and adaptability to meet the demands of modern football,” adds the statement.

Huge task ahead

“His recent involvement in academy and development projects reflects a forward-thinking approach aligned with long-term player growth and sustainable success.”

Thodesen emphasizes striking a balance between structure and creativity, demanding high standards while empowering players to perform with freedom.

He takes over a sleeping giant playing catch up in the FNB Premiership now dominated by emerging forces such as defending champions Gaborone United, Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC and Jwaneng Galaxy FC.

Popa are in unfamiliar territory on the log table, occupying eighth place, 26 points behind champions-designate Gaborone United.