Happy Hearts will be no push over - official

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Friday July 30, 2010 00:00

 

The former Zebras' midfielder who hung up his boots last season, said they have a formidable squad good enough to do well in the competitive First Division.

'We assembled a good team in Division Two which can compete in the First Division. We have not recruited any players since gaining promotion because we believe in the players we have,' Butale said.

The former Notwane skipper said they have registered ageing former Zebras' defender, Ernest Amos to bring stability to the team as the young players would need a guiding figure with experience. 'First it was me in the team and then I left, Stoogie (Noah Kareng) took over and since he left to Motlakase, we felt we would need another senior player to hold things tight. Amos has been nursing an injury but he has since recovered and will be ready for the new season. He still feels strong and has assured us that he could still play for two more seasons,' Butale said.

Although he admits competition will be stiff in the First Division, he was optimistic that they will do well. 'We have ambitions but we are certainly no 'big dreamers'. We know it would not be easy and the priority is to first establish ourselves and then think of promotion. If in our first season, we see that we have a chance (for promotion to Premier League) we will try to grab it,' he said.

Like other clubs, Happy Hearts are worried about the lack of sponsorship in the league. However, Butale said that his team has already started negotiating with their current sponsors Morongwa Security for an extension of the relationship.

'We would have wanted more sponsors to come on board but it is not easy to get the corporate world to sponsor football. We need the resources to effectively compete here and we are currently running around to get other companies to come on board. But we can never be sure if any of them would finally agree but life has to go on,' Butale said.

The club has roped in former Zebras' wing back Khumo 'Shoes' Motlhabane as assistant coach. So far, Happy Hearts are still looking for a head coach. Butale said negotiations with a potential coach should be completed by the beginning of next week.