Angels coach unbothered by player exodus
Chakalisa Dube | Saturday August 19, 2023 06:00
Angels have lost several key figures in the off-season including talisman, Eric Ookame who earned a 'big money' move to Orapa United. Highly rated defender Shanganani Nganda has joined Premier League returnees, TAFIC while goalkeeper, Emmanuel Keiditswe is now at Nico United.
The departure of the players has created anxiety among some of the followers who believe that the club might struggle in its second season in the league. However, in an interview this week, Mpatane urged the fans not to press panic buttons. “I anticipated that we would lose some of the players at the end of the season.
It was inevitable that some of our players will be offered big contracts elsewhere because of the good season we had. I long devised measures to deal with that,” Mpatane told Mmegi Sport. He said that he has signed several players who he believes have what it takes to compete in the elite league. Among the new players are Ontiretse 'Moruti' Ranthakeng who joined from First Division North outfit Santa Green.
Twenty-one-year-old attacking midfielder Kaone 'Mojaditlhogo' Bogosi and 22-year-old striker Kgosietsile Makula have arrived from Orapa United on a season-long loan. Former Pula Roofing attacking midfielder, Thebe Mmolawa is also one of the new players that Angels signed. Furthermore, the club has promoted three 18-year-olds, Letso 'Drinkwater' Mpatane, Tashangana 'Maradona' Sekgome, and Gofaone Gaothobogwe from its development structures. “Some of those who we have signed are those we have been monitoring for some time. They complement our style of play and I have no doubt that they will be able to establish themselves in the Premier League. We cannot compete with the big teams in terms of salaries, but I can assure the supporters that we will compete next season.
There will see a much-improved side despite the fact we have lost some key players. We are determined to show that last season’s performance was not a fluke,” Mpatane said. The youthful coach stated that the new players are settling very well in the team. Mmolawa is said to have impressed during a preseason tournament in Orapa last weekend. “ I am satisfied with my players, but I cannot rule out more signings because there are a few players we have under assessment. Some of them look promising,” he said. Angels surprised many when they finished sixth six in the just-ended season even though it was their first campaign in the elite league and they are under-resourced.