Sebego, Butler intervene in Sankoyo crisis
Boniface Keakabetse | Friday January 22, 2016 14:23
Sankoyo’s recently appointed interim committee invited Sebego and Butler. On Wednesday the two addressed players and supporters, the committee and the business community here. Sebego called on all stakeholders to save the team from relegation.
He said Ngurungu’s relegation will be a blow to Maun and Botswana football. “Sankoyo’s promotion revolutionised football in this country and it will be a loss if it is relegated,” he said. He pleaded with the business community to support the team as it benefits their businesses.
“If come August Sankoyo has been relegated that will impact on local tourism and the public transport industry,” he said.
Sebego further advised the newly appointed committee to be transparent, particularly in financial systems.
He encouraged the committee to benchmark from other successful teams in the north such as Orapa United. He said Orapa targeted to register 2,000 official supporters who help contribute to the team coffers. He said Sankoyo have an advantage as the team has many supporters.
“Sankoyo is a big brand and you can capitalise on that,” Sebego said. For his part, Butler said there is abundant youth talent in the North West region which if well utilised can help develop Botswana’s football and put it in the same bracket as powerhouses in West Africa.
He said the Maun region has players with special physical attributes and can contribute to the national team. He said the development of these youths needs Sankoyo to stay in the Premiership. Butler said he will continue using youngsters as his target is to bring down the average age of the senior team.
Sankoyo manager, Lere Ramoela said seven players had indicated that they want to leave the team. Jackson Lesole, winger, has joined Gaborone United while midfielder Thero Setsile has gone to Jwaneng Galaxy; Keorapetse Seloiso and Kutwelo Mpolokang have also left.
The interim committee appointed recently has Apollo Moalosi (chairperson) Obusitswe John (vice chairperson), Fundi Dithupe (president), Kempho Kedikilwe (secretary), Sipho Ndaba (treasurer), Ramoela (manager), Reginald Makanye (marketing manager), Batshidi Moeti (administration manager) and Colin Sebako is the welfare manager. Youthful mentor, Gadimang Tiiso, remains the team caretaker coach. Lawyer Luanda Antonio is the legal adiviser.
Sankoyo’s incoming public relations officer, Baganetsi Kamanakao said members were chosen based on their credentials for running successful businesses in Maun. He revealed that one of the committee’s mandate will be to help the team raise funds. Ngurungu are at home to Police XI tomorrow.