Masitaoka, Flamingoes defy the odds
Chakalisa Dube | Saturday December 18, 2021 06:00
Some of them struggle until they ultimately relegate while others end the league in less respectable positions. But the trend seems to be changing. Masitaoka and Sua Flamingoes, who are all making their debuts in the Premier League, have hit fine form earlier than anticipated and sit in very respectable positions in the league with just under 10 games in the league.
Because of their early form, it will not be far-fetched to posit that the two sides have the capacity to end the season in comfortable positions. Masitaoka capped their early season form (in their maiden season) in the league by reaching the Orange FA Cup final, after eliminating the country’s most successful club, Township Rollers, in the semis. Although they lost in the final, Masitaoka showed that they are not in the league just to add the numbers. ‘Majatlhaga’ also proved that they are a resilient side when they defeated BDF XI 2-0 in the league.
The Molepolole-based outfit currently occupy the eighth position in the league. Powered by an enterprising midfielder, Tendai Nyumasi, Flamingoes have also shown that they have a strong squad, which can compete with any team in the league. Sua highlighted their prowess when they held Rollers to a goalless draw at home last weekend. The hosts were dominant against the league leaders and were unlucky to emerge out of the match without maximum points. Flamingoes currently occupy the fifth position with 15 points.
This week, Masitaoka coach Nelson Olebile said although it is still early in the season, he is not surprised by the team’s performance. He attributed the club’s good run to great management by the executive. He said that there are lot of things that have happened behind the scenes to prepare the team for the premier league. “The leadership of the team has made the difference.
One of the key things that the management or leadership of the team has been doing since the Masitaoka project started four seasons ago, is ensuring that the club is run professionally and is well resourced. There are procedures that are adhered to, and the level of accountability is very high. This has ensured that issues such as recruitment and allocation of resources is done properly.” Olebile says that more often, owners only want to see their teams progressing and going to Premier League without any solid plan to maintain or sustain them.
He also posits that the club brought the right playing personnel, which is why it has not struggled in the league. “Before the season started, we set up a strategy in terms of how we are going to approach the league. We set up long and short-term goals. There are routine reviews. It is too early, but we have plans to secure a lucrative position in the league. We have the right credentials to do so. I am convinced that we are in the right direction.” Flamingoes’ chairperson Tirelo Thebe mainly attributed the club’s good start in the league to the financial sponsorship from BOTASH. “We also did not go for many big-name players. The bulk of our players are from the First Division.
We went for an experienced coach who can work with younger players. Big name players would have been expensive to maintain, ultimately affecting the team’s performance. It is still early but our recruitment approach seems to be working for us,” he said, adding that the club wants to end the league in a respectable position.