'Troubled Stars' remain focused
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday June 1, 2018 12:54
They started the season on a low note by losing 3-1 at the hands of the defending champions, Police VI over the weekend. During the transfer window, Stars lost Phemelo Lekoko to Kalavango, Kebafilwe Motsumi who joined Itekeng, Molebi Rabosigo, Bampoloki Letshwiti and Bokao Nagafela jumped ship to BDF VI. Bathusi Kebitsang left Stars, but has not registered with any club thus far.
Stars coach, Kealeboga Mmekwane told Mmegi Sport that it has been tough for his club for the past two years.“The absence of the league killed us. We were inactive and my players were rusty. As we started preparing for the league, my best players decided to quit and join other clubs,” he said.
Mmekwane said the departure of the six players crippled Stars. He said that meant he had to come up with ways of rebuilding the team. He said even though he wanted to start from scratch with youngsters, they needed guidance from senior players, he hence decided to acquire the services of three senior players.
Stars have secured the signatures of Emmanuel Mahlunge from Mafolofolo, Murphy Chindumbo from Diphatsa and Karabo Botsang from Kalavango.
“I got a libero from Diphatsa to replace my libero that I lost. I brought Mahlunge back home where he belongs and we swapped Botsang with Lekoko to Kalavango,” he said.
Mmekwane said he is now working on making sure that the players understand the system and also gel with each other.
He said Stars played well against Police and they could have won. He said they lost due to minor mistakes that they made, which is an assignment for him as a coach.
“The combinations worked the way I wanted. Like I said, we are in the building process and we can only hope to challenge for the championship next season,” Mmekwane said.
He said financial challenges continue to be a stumbling block for Stars. He said most of the players are students so it is difficult for them to attend training all the time due to lack of transport money.
Meanwhile, the league continues this weekend. The men’s side would see the arrival of Yaros Olympiad from Maun who would be making their league debut. Yaros has a date with Diphatsa from Francistown in Serowe.
The second match of the day for the side is against MagStimela. Itekeng is also starting their campaign against Desert Kings in Lobatse. In the women’s side, Yaros takes on Selebi-Phikwe. The second match is between Selebi-Phikwe and MagStimela. Spiking Stars and Police take their competition to Lobatse. Stars would complete their weekend assignment against Mafolofolo at the same venue.