League leaders Township Rollers are facing the prospect of playing their remaining league games without influential midfielder Lawrence Majawa. The defensive midfielder is currently sidelined by a knee ligament injury that makes him doubtful for Popa’s upcoming games.
Majawa’s injury forced him to miss the Mascom Top 8 final earlier this month. The Malawian is reportedly struggling to overcome his injury in time for Popa’s crucial title push, his last game was a league encounter against Uniao Flamengo Santos last month.
He has been one of the club’s consistent performers this season. As an anchorman, the player’s main role has been to protect the back four and he has been a key factor in Popa’s impressive defensive record in the league this season. Popa boasts the joint best defensive record of conceding 10 goals alongside title rivals BDF XI. He has scored one league goal this season.
Rollers coach Madinda Ndlovu confirmed the player’s injury concerns last week Friday and though he could not give a definite time frame for Majawa’s return to full fitness, he acknowledged that he could be out for the rest of the season.
The midfielder’s absence comes at a time when they are in an open title race against the likes of BDF XI, Gaborone United and Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Despite the difficult task of missing a crucial player, Rollers still possess strength in squad depth; versatile player Obonye Moswate could easily slot in Majawa’s position as he has done often this season.
Moswate has even scored four league goals to showcase his credentials of becoming a marquee player for Popa towards the end of the season. The club’s other injury casualties include Godfrey Ngele and Manqoba Ngwenya.