The busy Khama Crescent on the south east of Gaborone, South Ring Road or Independence Avenue are just some of the beautiful reminders of the hard work done by the founders of Township Rollers. A club admired by the majority of Botswana's population and many more across the African continent.

The founding members of the club worked tirelessly to build the then small township of Gaborone. The city has since grown to become the capital and largest city of Botswana with a population of over 231,626. The Public Works Department workers of the Bechunaland Protectorate can certainly be proud of their work and contribution to the country.  However, their biggest legacy has to be the formation of Mighty Tigers, which was founded in 1961. The club’s name would later be changed in 1965 to Township Rollers, named after the then small township of Gaborone. The "rollers" part comes from the compacti

ng equipment of the same name, which was used by the founders of the club to build roads. The blues as they are commonly known have gone on to become the most successful club in Botswana. A club that has won numerous titles and broken records, Township Rollers are the most loved and supported club in the country. Many are proud to call Township Rollers their own, supporters of the club do not just fill up stadiums, make noise during matches and then go home. The supporters are valued and are involved in the decision making and daily running of the club. For years, the club was registered as a society. As society members, the club supporters are able to elect the executive committee at annual general meetings. The Township Rollers supporters also own 20% of the club, making it one of few clubs in world football to take the opinions, views and suggestions from supporters seriously. Gobuiwang and club president Jagdish Shah both own 40% of the club respectively.

Shah, a prominent local businessman has been praised for turning the club into a more organized, stable and professional outfit. Under his leadership, the club has transformed into a world-class football institution. Today, Township Rollers are seen by many football pundits to be on the same level as some of the biggest clubs on the African continent both on and off the field. Some of their most influential players such as Mogagi Gabonamong, Phenyo Mongalo and Mogakolodi Ngele have gone on to established themselves in leagues across the borders of Botswana after first starring for the Blues in their homeland. While the likes of Clement “Captain Muller” Mothelesi, Morwalela “Pro” Seema, Sola “Ace” Mokgadi and Chibaso “Coach” Kande will forever be remembered for their incredible contribution to the success of the club. As a player-coach, Kande led the club to six league titles from 1979 to 1985. His death in 1987 following a car accident badly affected all those associated with the team. The only time the club supporters ever came close to feeling the sadness they felt after the passing of Kande was when the club was relegated in 2003. 

After a poor campaign, the Blues were knocked down to the first division, but only to bounce back stronger than ever. After spending only one campaign in the lower ranks, Township Rollers came back to clinch the league title upon their return to the elite league. Over the years, the Gaborone based giants have faced tough competition from arch-rivals Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Gaborone United, however, they continue to lead the way in the ever-improving league in Botswana. If their progress is anything to go by, so they will soon be a force to reckon with on the African continent.

-JP