Bright dumps Santos

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Thursday July 16, 2009 00:00

 

The Botswana coach told Mmegi Sport yesterday that his relationship with club boss, Goolam Allie was no longer rosy and he could not afford the 'torture' anymore. Bright has been with Santos for two seasons. He was hired after he proved his mettle at club and national team level in Botswana. 

'I am no longer interested in coaching Santos and want to leave Cape Town as soon as possible. I haven't been a bootlicker in my life and I can't start now. The thing is, I was not given the freedom to coach the team and that hurt me badly. If the team is not doing well, I am the one who is going to get the stick. I had to protect my integrity and the image of my country by leaving now,' Bright said yesterday from Cape Town.

The former national Under-23 coach pointed out that by working in a foreign country, he is not only representing himself but the people of Botswana. He added that he did not want to tarnish the reputation of Botswana coaches by waiting to be fired by the club after poor results.

Reports from Cape Town indicate that Bright and Allie did not share the same vision when it came to the running of the club. Sources claim that Allie was not willing to beef up the squad and this annoyed the straight-talking coach. The no-nonsense tactician dismissed reports that he walked out because of his poor relationship with director of coaching, Boebie Solomons who was brought to the club to strengthen the technical bench. Last season when Solomons arrived, Bright made it clear in the media that he is not going to take decisions from anyone. 'I have been working well with Boebie and alongside Jean-Marc Ithier (assistant coach). They were sad to see me leave. But in life we meet to part. Even in personal relationships, when your beautiful girlfriend is not treating you well, you can't stay put just for the sake of her being beautiful. You settle for someone who will make you happy,' he said.

Bright urged his players to understand his reasons of leaving and to extend the same respect they gave him to his successor. On Tuesday night, he met with Botswana players at Santos, Mogogi Gabonamong, Jerome Ramatlhakwana and trialist Boitumelo Mafoko to bid them farewell. Bright said he will be back in the game soon.

Yesterday, South African magazine Kick-Off reported in their website that Bright was heading to relegated Bay United. But the coach has denied the reports. Bright said he will be in the South African capital, Pretoria, for sometime while deciding what to do next.

In their website, Santos announced that they have no choice but to accept Bright's resignation. It is stated that Allie was shocked by the move but wished the Botswana coach well. 'It's a bit of a blow to the club as David Bright has done well during his tenure with Engen Santos. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours as a coach.

We still believe that David Bright is a good coach and will bring success wherever he goes. We are sad to see him leave so suddenly but wish him well,' said Allie.

Santos' captain, Mogogi Gabonamong told Mmegi Sport that while he is shocked to see Bright go, players must live with it and focus on the future. 'There is no doubt that Bright is an intelligent coach and his departure is going to affect our preparations for the upcoming season. Honestly, his decision has come at a wrong time because the players had started to understand his football philosophy. But we must respect his decision and wish him all the best,' he added.

Meanwhile, Santos have announced that Solomons will take charge as interim coach with Mauritian Jean-Marc Ithier as his assistant. The duo is expected to lead the Cape side in their opening league game against Kaizer Chiefs at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on August 8.