Botswana’s Township Rollers coach says winning league not about good start

Botswana’s Township Rollers FC’s coach Srdan Zivojnov has refused to be carried away by his team’s positive start to the FNB Premiership over the weekend.

The Serbian tactician warned his players that the league was like a marathon determined by a strong finish.

Zivojnov commented on Rollers’ start to the league after they registered a 2-0 victory over Matebele FC over the weekend to mark the start of the race.

“For us, it’s not about how we start—it’s about how we finish. This season, we aim to play good football and get the right results,” he told the club’s media.

Goals from Letlhogonolo Fothoane and Omphile Vissagie in the second half handed Rollers the victory on Saturday.

The coach described Matebele as tough opponents owing to their defensive approach.

“It was a tough game. Matebele FC defended deep and relied on counters, but my players kept pushing. Yes, we missed chances, but I’m happy because winning the first home game was very important,” he added.

Zivojnov has since challenged his players, especially the bench warmers to prove themselves when given a chance to play.

He said: “I have 26 players, and whether you start or come from the bench, everyone must deliver 100%. Township Rollers is a big club, and I believe supporters will come in large numbers in the next game to back their team.”

Zivojnov replaced Belgian Abdelaziz Karkache in the pre-season and his challenge is to ensure Rollers win the domestic league title after they settled for a distant sixth-place finish last season, 12 points behind champions Gaborone United

Rollers return to action this weekend on the road to face Morupule Wanderers, who started the season with a 3-0 away loss to Jwaneng Galaxy.

Elsewhere, Owen Da Gama started his reign at Black Lions FC with a 2-0 loss to Sua Flamingoes while NICO United beat Extension Gunners 2-1 on Saturday.

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