Flamingoes plan for life in the Premiership
Chakalisa Dube | Friday June 19, 2020 13:40
Flamingoes were declared First Division North league champions after a recent Botswana Football Association decision on the abrupt ending of the season.
The club, which celebrates its 30th anniversary next season, has been chasing promotion over the last three seasons to no avail.
Club chairperson, Tirelo Thebe said their first step towards preparing for their stay in the Premiership is to tie down coach, Rapelang ‘Razor’ Tsatsilebe.
“We will be meeting him soon to discuss the terms of a new contract. He has done a very good job since joining the club,” Thebe said.
A number of players would be retained, he added.
“We are also meeting soon to begin drawing a robust strategy that will help us sustain the club in the Premier League. We have to keep the coach and most of the players for the sake of continuity. It is important to emphasise that our priority is to stay in the Premier League,” Thebe said.
On their manner of promotion, Thebe said the BFA decision was right.
“I think the position to declare us champions is very justified. We have been the most consistent side in the league this season. We have also been at the top of the league since the beginning of the season, which is why I believe, declaring us champions was not a bad decision.
“We would have accepted any decision from the BFA even if it meant not declaring us champions. Problems brought by COVID-19 are beyond everyone’s control.”
Thebe said the club’s promotion to the top league is going to benefit Sowa Town residents.
“Residents of Sowa Town and surroundings have often had to travel as far as Francistown to watch Premier League matches. Now they will have the privilege of having Premier League matches held near them. We will be playing our home games in Sowa. This will provide the much needed entertainment for them,” he said.
Flamingoes will play its home matches at the Sowa Town Council Stadium. The stadium will soon be revamped to meet Premier League standards, according to Thebe.
For his part, Tsatsilebe said his aim was to stay with Flamingoes.
“I have achieved my mandate. This is a great milestone for me and I have got no doubt that I will be rewarded with a new contract,” he told Mmegi Sport.
Tsatsilebe added that should he be retained as coach, he would not release too many players.
“We have very good and young players who I believe can do a great job in the Premier League. We have a balanced squad in terms of experience and age,” he said.