Township Rollers appoint Serbian Sreten Pavlovic to revive their faltering campaign, with Popa languishing in eleventh after five league matches
BONGANI MALUNGA
Township Rollers have turned to Serbian tactician Sreten Pavlovic to revive their stuttering FNB Premiership campaign, handing him a season-long contract as the Gaborone giants battle to climb out of the bottom half of the league standings.
The appointment, officially announced by the club on Sunday, 18 October 2026, sees Pavlovic replace interim head coach Oupa Kowa, who had been overseeing the team during a difficult opening stretch of the 2026/27 season.
Pavlovic arrives at a time when Popa are struggling to match their reputation as one of Botswana’s most successful clubs, having collected just five points from their opening five league matches.
STRUGGLING
Rollers are languishing in 11th position, with one victory, two draws and two defeats, leaving them nine points behind early pace-setters Tonota FC, although they have played one game fewer. Their struggles were further exposed by Sunday’s 4-2 defeat to Matebele FC, a result that underlined the scale of the rebuilding job awaiting the new Serbian mentor.
The club has tasked Pavlovic with restoring its winning identity, challenging for the league championship and delivering success in domestic cup competitions. Club chairman Thapelo Fish Pabalinga expressed confidence that the experienced tactician possesses the qualities required to turn the team’s fortunes around.
“We are delighted to welcome Coach Sreten Pavlovic to Township Rollers. In our search for a new leader, we looked for a coach who shares our winning mentality, tactical acumen, and ambition for the club. We are confident that his experience and dedication will bring out the best in our squad as we chase our goals this season.”
WELL TRAVELLED COACH
Pavlovic brings a coaching background spanning South Africa and Eswatini, with his most recent assignment coming at Eswatini Premier League outfit Malanti Chiefs.
The CAF A-licensed coach was appointed by Malanti in September 2025 following the club’s promotion to the top flight. He was handed an ambitious mandate to challenge for a top-four finish and establish the team as a competitive force in domestic cup competitions.
However, his tenure proved challenging, with Malanti becoming embroiled in a relegation battle towards the end of the 2025/26 campaign. In February, he had also guided the club into the next round of the Ingwenyama Cup.
Before moving to Eswatini, Pavlovic coached South African outfit Germiston City FC, where he worked with the senior team in the Eastern Local Football Association Super League.
YOUTH AND SENIOR COACHING EXPERIENCE
His background also includes youth development, having helped establish a football academy at Germiston City in 2019 to strengthen young players’ technical foundations. His public professional profile describes a playing career spanning approximately two decades in Serbia and South Africa.
That combination of senior-team management and player development could prove important at Rollers, whose early-season performances have raised questions about consistency and defensive organisation.
Popa’s only victory this season came in a convincing 3-0 triumph over Extension Gunners. They have also drawn 1-1 with Morupule Wanderers and Orapa United, while suffering defeats against Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Matebele FC.
Despite scoring eight goals, Rollers have conceded just as many, exposing defensive weaknesses that Pavlovic will need to address urgently. There will be little time for the new coach to settle in, with Rollers scheduled to face unbeaten league leaders Tonota FC on 24 October.
The fixture promises an immediate examination of Pavlovic’s credentials, with the Serbian inheriting a side desperate to rediscover its winning touch and prevent the early title race from slipping further beyond reach.
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