Liberian striker Benjamin Sarkoh has gotten his career to flying start in Botswana with the Township Rollers Football Club after helping the club to a narrow win on his debut on Tuesday, October 23.

Township Rollers maintained their place at the top of the Botswanan League after a 1-0 win over Security Systems Football Club. The Rollers were slipping off the top place with a goalless draw until the introduction of Sarkoh, which changed things around.

The former Monrovia Club Breweries attacker was introduced 10 minutes into the second half and brought force to the Township Rollers’ attack, which became a major threat until the end of the match. Sarkoh’s introduction helped the Rollers create several chances but they were unable to convert them until the 82^nd minute when Botswanan forward Motsholetsi Sikele found the back of the net.

Sikele scored with a close-range effort after Sarkoh made a run through Security Systems Football Club’s defense and crossed the ball toward Sikele, who was well positioned to get the ball at the back of the net. The goal engineered by Sarkoh and scored by Sikele was the only one in the match. The Rollers wrapped up a narrow 1-0 win at the end of the match.

The 22-year-old forward departed Liberia in August to attend tryouts with the Botswana giant. After two weeks of intensive observation, he was selected and signed to the Rollers on a loan for the 2018-19 football season, which started on August 22. However, Sarkoh’s debut was delayed after he failed to get his residence and work permit on time. However late his debut was, Sarkoh was proud of his performance.

“It’s any footballer’s dream to get a win on their debut,” he told The Bush Chicken after his debut match with the Rollers.

“I wished I could have gotten a goal, but assisting the winning goal feels much better. It’s a different style of football here and I’m trying to adapt. Most of the games are played either 7:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. That’s something which has not happened in Liberia over the years. I’m currently working on adapting to the weather here and hoping I can help the team win trophies this season.”

He will hope for a better performance on Sunday, October 28 when the Rollers take on Botswana Railways Highlanders Football Club.

Township Rollers have been one of the most successful clubs in the southern African region with their consistency in winning titles and great performances in CAF club competitions. The club is the most successful club in the Bostwana Premier League. Since its formation in 1961, the club has won 31 titles, 15 of which are from the premier league.

Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.