Letlapeng sign 17 players ahead of debut season
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday August 7, 2014 13:44
Their new signings include Tinashe Masika and Collins Dhuwa who are both from Zimbabwe. During a press briefing at Lekidi Centre yesterday, Letlapeng chairperson, Sidney Magagane said they retained 15 players from last season’s squad. They released six players who included Tshiamo Moreetsi, who has gone to Jwaneng Galaxy, Sidat Sinare now with Black Forest and Pane Rakhobo (Killer Giants). Six others have been loaned out. Magagane said as part of the Premier League requirements, the club has appointed Onkemetse Rrannau as assistant coach and Molefe Motlhala as physical trainer.
He added that they are yet to recruit a goalkeeper coach. “Our aim is to turn Letlapeng into a force to reckon with.
“We have a three-year plan that we hope would work for us.
We are aware that the Premier League would be competitive and we are going to remain focused from the first match,” said Magagane.
He explained that they decided to retain Thaloba Nthaga as the head coach because of the commitment he has shown to the club.
He stated that most people believe that Letlapeng is in the Premier League to add numbers.
He warned “Doubting Thomases” and other cynics that they are out to prove them wrong.
Magagane said the club has an Under-15 team, which started training last week.
He said the idea was to promote the players to the Under-17 side next year.
He said they intended to adopt a second division team in Ramotswa that would be used as a feeder to the senior team as they believe in development. Coach Nthaga said his main role was to ensure the club retained its status at the end of the season.
He said with the support that the management gave him during their stay in the First Division League, he was confident the team would do well.
Nthaga however, acknowledged that it would be tough in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Magagane disclosed that Letlapeng has signed a one-year partnership with Authentic Designs worth P70, 000.
The company would supply the club with two sets of training kits, three sets of playing kits, tracksuits, warm-up jerseys and two sets of travelling attire.
Still on the issue of sponsorship, Magagane said Cleaning Wizards would provide training equipment worth P50, 000 per season.
He also said they were still engaged in talks with other companies in view of getting more sponsorship.