Four Premier League sides in pre-season tourney

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday July 16, 2010 00:00

TAFIC, Motlakase and Police XI will join debutants Miscellaneous in a competition meant to gauge the clubs' preparedness ahead of the new season.

The tournament is the brainchild of TAFIC vice- chairperson, Livert Ntwaagae who said it is critical for the club coaches to test their combinations. 'Our aim is to give coaches time to prepare for the new season. We believe this tournament offers that opportunity,' Ntwaagae said. He added that TAFIC has not been doing well in the past season and their aim is to turn around the club's fortunes.

Ntwaagae noted that their season ended promisingly under coach Paul Moyo who had just assumed the reigns. He said that with Miscellaneous making its debut and Motlakase having a new coach, it was opportune to organise the Serowe tournament.

'It will give our clubs the opportunity to try out different combinations. For us TAFIC, we felt that we have to start doing things right,' Ntwaagae said.

He is optimistic that the fading Francistown giants will turn the corner in the 2010-2011 season.

The club was recently privatised and Ntwaagae said their financial situation is not as dire as before. Shares are being floated to potential buyers to get a stake in the club.

Ntwaagae said his club has not made major signings and some of the players on trial have the opportunity to impress at the Serowe tournament.

Motlakase recently hired former BDF XI coach, Stanley Mwaanga who will also be eager to have a closer look at his charges in a competitive match. Miscellaneous, whose entry into the top league should provide intriguing clashes against their neighbours, Motlakase, have the perfect opportunity to get a feel of Premier League competition.

Police XI, the only side from the south in the competition, have been on a free fall since winning the league title five seasons ago.

The Jungle Kings have been fighting relegation and to stem the slide, they hired former Uniao Flamengo Santos' coach, Clever Hunda.

Ntwaagae urged the Serowe community to come in large numbers to support the teams. He said the tournament will fill the gap left when the World Cup ended last Sunday.

The tournament will be played on a knock-out basis with the final scheduled for Sunday. The clubs were still to decide on the prize money at the time of going to press.