Bankrupt Motlakase face uncertain future
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday November 30, 2018 13:33
It retained at least 80% of the squad who went agonisingly close to a return to the Premiership two seasons ago. Motlakase had a good start; winning 2-0 against Morupule Wanderers, but has never been the same since. Chouka are now nine points adrift of log leaders TAFIC at unfamiliar position eight after collecting seven points from possible 18 in six matches.
They have scored seven goals and conceded nine in two wins, a draw and three defeats. It was apparent things were out of order when they lacked attitude in two key matches when they were expected to show resilience. Sua Flamingoes trampled them 3-0 at home, before TAFIC handed them a 3-1 drubbing the following weekend.
Along the way, the Palapye outfit was held by their regular punching bags Calendar Stars and in the past weekend, they were at the back of another painful 1-0 jab from younger brothers, Palapye All Stars.An insider said directors have dumped the club and they never meet to discuss team issues. “They only pitch up individually when the club is in trouble, to lend the club money and would resurface once the grants are paid to get back their money,” the source said. Club secretary, Israel Thusang confirmed the situation had gone out of hand at the team. He said management does not meet and the club is almost run by players.
He said the players are not paid, and the club is also failing to feed them, hence the poor string of results. He added that the technical team is struggling, as players do not attend training regularly. He revealed that the technical team is volunteering and they are short of a goalkeeper coach.
“We are in a difficult situation due to lack of funds. Management is almost non-existent, and the players are really struggling. It is painful that they are not paid, and we struggle to at least feed them.
It is tough to even honour the fixtures these days,” he said. He revealed that the problem was that supporters have not been responsive over the years when they are called for the annual general meeting.
“It’s been six years with a similar committee and no AGMs, people have no interest in the team. Some committee members have since disappeared,” he said, adding the club needs a fresher vision, leadership and financier. Meanwhile, Motlakase will have a free weekend to re-adjust from a shock defeat as the First Division North League action has been postponed. Only Sua Flamingoes and Calendar Stars will play to allow the two to catch up. The southern region league will, however, be in full swing.