BFA, Butler to meet over new contract
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday January 17, 2017 14:29
The two are expected to meet this week, with close sources saying the association is willing to extend the former West Ham United midfielder’s contract. Both parties did not reveal much except to confirm that the coach’s situation would be discussed shortly.
“I am meeting the president (Letshwiti) this week. I am quite happy to see how things develop at BFA, and more importantly evaluate my options as it’s two months before my contract expires,” Butler said.
“As I have always said, I am cool and would be happy to stay if terms are acceptable.”
BFA public relations officer, Tumo Mpatane said the BFA National Executive Committee would soon start discussing the Zebras and Butler’s issue.
“You would be aware that the draw for the 2019 AFCON qualifiers has been made and the future of the coaching role will be a subject. However, ‘PJ’ (Butler) has a contract until March, he is still our coach until then. If there is a change, then we will inform the press,” Mpatane said.
Butler joined from Asia at the begin of February 2014, tasked with reaching the quarter finals of the COSAFA Cup in his maiden year as well as ‘doing well’ in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
He managed to reach the semi finals of the COSAFA Cup and progressed to the group stages of the AFCON qualifiers but found the going tough against experienced sides such as Egypt and Senegal.
In the second qualifiers, Butler took the Zebras to the finals of the COSAFA Cup where his team succumbed to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
But Butler would be largely credited for introducing relatively unknown young players to the Zebras fold. The coach has not shied away from giving rising but raw talent a chance, a sharp departure from some of his predecessors who believed in handing tried and trusted players the responsibility at senior team.
Butler has reportedly received several offers, the latest coming from Sudanese giants, Al Hilal.
Meanwhile, the Zebras have been drawn against Mauritius, Angola and Burkina Faso for the 2019 AFCON qualifiers.