Things fall apart at Sankoyo
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday December 10, 2015 13:57
The side was unstoppable especially at home where they always played before a bumper crowd at the Maun Sports Complex. But that is fast becoming distant memory with numbers that attend home matches dwindling.
Since parting ways with their head coach, Philani Mabena, at the end of last season, the side has not appointed his successor. Gadimang Tiiso has been the acting head coach since then.
He told Mmegi Sport yesterday he does not have a contract with Sankoyo. He said the contract he has is that of an assistant coach.
He said he has been voluntarily working with the team. He raised concern that the management of the team does not show intention of giving him the position despite the work he has been doing.
“I am unable to take some decisions because I do not have that authority, even when it comes to the type of players I want in the squad. I am not even able to sign players,” said an emotional Tiiso.
He complained that when the team does not do well, he is expected to take responsibility.
The club’s deteriorating condition has reportedly forced former committee members to contemplate a return.
Former public relations officer, Thato Molosi said it is disappointing to see the team that they worked hard to build crumbling. He said they expected the current committee to continue where they left off, but that is not happening. Molosi said he is willing to assist the team, but the committee does not want to give him a chance.
“I am going to do everything in my power to bounce back into the committee. Differences have always been there, but we focused on the bigger picture which is the team and making sure that players were happy,” he said.
Molosi said despite insufficient funds to pay salaries, the players were motivated and performing well.
“Sankoyo used to fill the stadium, but now supporters are gone. I was embarrassed when Gaborone United was playing here. Only a handful of supporters attended, and the players were playing just to honour the fixture,” said Molosi.
Despite that, Sankoyo chairman, William Dikgosana downplayed the crisis that has engulfed the side. He said they are unable to hire a head coach because of lack of resources. He said when Mabena left it was obvious that Tiiso will take over the team. Dikgosana confirmed they do not have a contract with Tiiso nor for him to be acting coach.
“We have a verbal agreement with him because we felt that he has been with the team for a long time. He brought names of the players he wanted, but we could not hire them because of lack of money. We are also concerned about the performance of our players because we take good care of them,” he said.