Tsumake revels in new Galaxy role
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday June 4, 2021 14:00
Alfred Tsumake only played lower division football but has proven a capable administrator worth an appointment as Galaxy’s chairperson, challenging the status quo.
Tsumake is away studying in Australia and would only resume his full-time duties in December, and the vice president, Lesenyo Mapharing would act until the end of the year. Reuben Chengeta has been appointed the treasurer, former Galaxy chairman, Njabulo Gilika has been elevated to the position of board secretary.
Tsumake told Mmegi Sport from his Australia base that his appointment did not come as a shock because he was the founding Galaxy vice-chairperson technical.
“That was the position I was holding when I left for my studies. The trust I believe that our sponsor has in me convinced them of the appointment. This position means a lot to me. I have gone through all stages of football development, from a player in a development side in Ramotswa (African Ball Controllers),” he said. He then played for Ramotswa Atlantic Swallows juggling with his studies in the early 2000s. In 2007, Tsumake joined First Division-North side, No Mathata club in Selebi-Phikwe as a player, which lasted for less than half a season as Resco Matlhogojane, the then chairman, forced him into early retirement. “I then became the publicity and marketing manager. It was a rough terrain as the club and division itself had no sponsor. I left the side in early 2012 when I joined Debswana,” Tsumake said.
He said in late 2012, he was roped in to assist Blue Diamonds. In 2013, Diamonds merged with Young Stars and in 2014 Jwaneng Comets came onboard giving birth to Galaxy. Tsumake said the merger was meant to bring resources (supporters, logistics and player quality) to one basket. “I have worked with amazing individuals throughout my football engagements such as Setlalekgosi Gate, Obonye Marage, Thatayaone Seleke, Joseph Pheto, the late Kealeboga Ramogobya, Njabulo Gilika, Reuben Chengeta, Lemogang Mogami and Andrew Tlou,” he said.
Tsumake admitted that taking over the reins at Galaxy is a tall order. He said the club is already a flagship in the Premier League. He said the biggest challenge would be to surpass the current achievements both locally and in continental engagements.
“We need to set ourselves apart as a football development hub where we would benefit much on promoting our talent and also generating revenue on sales of the players,” he said.
The 40-year-old Tsumake said together with his committee, they would come up with strategies to drive the club forward.
He said more engagements with potential partners to develop their own facilities such as stadia and having the capacity to attract more supporters into the club.
Tsumake said COVID-19 has proven a big challenge to football, but there was no need to halt play.
“I do not think it was necessary to suspend football. It is a career to many and it is no longer funny. Next door in South Africa, they managed to start the season and their clubs also competed in the CAF competitions.
That could be our benchmarking starting point,” he said.