Lovers say first round was eye opener
Bonte Seepi | Thursday December 10, 2015 13:50
Lovers mentor, Onthusitse Kootswele told Mmegi Sport they learnt a lot from the first round.
He said despite the absence of a sponsor they did relatively well; winning six and losing nine games, which left them in position 10 with 18 points.
They scored 22 goals and conceded 34. “Many teams wrote us off and that helped us a lot as we took advantage of that, which is why we managed to win the first games. But as time went on, teams studied us and began to defeat us. However, technically we have also watched the way teams play and we shall come up with a strategy,” Kootswele said. Meanwhile, Kootswele said he is concerned about how teams are approaching their players without following procedure.
“Although it is normal for teams to show interest in players, I am worried as to how teams are raiding our players without engaging the management. It is even disturbing our players, this is even visible when they get into matches,” he said. This follows an issue in which Lovers’ top goal scorer, Moatlhodi Ralesotla, refused to renew his contract with the team amid speculation he is on his way to Gaborone United.
Kootswele said he will encourage Ralesotla to finish the season with the team and make his move in the next one. He said he will not have any problem if teams were following the right channels in recruiting players.
“We do not mind if our players join other teams which can probably offer them a better pay, but the only problem with big teams is that they use their money power and fail to follow procedure.
However, we have decided to put Ralesotla’s issue aside and soldier on without him. Probably we will find a replacement,” said Kootswele.
He said they intend to beef up their goal-keeping department and reinforce with another striker.
As for sponsorship, he said they have decided to engage consultants in marketing to help them look for a sponsor. The new comers travel to Selebi-Phikwe to face Nico United this weekend.