Orapa old guard leaves with heads high
Koketso Kgoboge | Thursday July 6, 2017 15:02
The committee that took over the affairs of the club two years ago is handing over the reigns to new blood after election last week. Only three members from the previous committee retained their positions, while others did not contest. Although they had a lacklustre campaign last season, the club rose to prominence in the past two seasons. Outgoing spokesperson, Tebatso Hule said they are proud of the club’s achievements under their watch. Hule said their greatest achievement was to turn the club into a formidable giant in the local football scene that has propelled the growth of their support base not only in the Boteti region but countrywide.
He outlined some of their achievements as scooping the Mascom Top 8 trophy at their first attempt and finishing as runners-up in the league. Although they had targeted winning the league in the two seasons, he said they are proud they have twice finished in decent positions when they finished runners-ups in 2014/2015 and third last season.
“Our success is immeasurable,” he said. “We leave very proud. We are leaving a professional brand that people admire. People appreciate our direction and we are proud of that.”
Despite a significant change in the club’s executive committee, the outgoing spokesperson said he is confident the incoming leadership will be able to drive the Ostriches forward. “The new committee still have the chairman, the vice chairman and the vice secretary that were with the past committee and they know where the club is heading.”
“We will also ensure a proper hand over and offer the necessary support to the incoming committee to ensure a smooth transition that will not disturb the development of the club.”
Thatayaone Sithole remains the chairperson. His position is not contested for, as the management of the Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtsha mines (OLDMs) elects the chairperson to lead the club on their behalf. Kennekae Nkape retains the vice chairperson’s position, Tiny Ntabeng is the new secretary and her vice is Babatshi Tjikwana, another member from the previous committee. Lawrence Nthutang is the marketing manager, Kabo William (public relations officer), Robert Kelaotswe (sales manager), Ndjitzi Moitlhobogi (facility manager), Moemedi Moloi (logistics manager), Bokang Choene (security manager), Senzo Mazathunya (welfare manager), Tshepo Rapoo and Mogomotsi Koontse are additional members. Meanwhile, the Ostriches have signed former Township Rollers speedy winger, Kobamelo Kebaikanye who joins another new recruit, Tapiwa Nyamanjiva. The Orapa club has released Nelson Moreetsi, Lovemore Murirwa, Zebron Ndjobvu and Emmanuel Nlu.