Sources at the club suspect that the coach left because of pressure as the team was not doing well. The Letlhakane side, known for its good soccer, started the league on a poor note last season and nearly got relegated. Mabrano staged a late rally under the tutelage of player/coach Robert Oagile to survive the axe. Gaboalashwe pointed out that the disappearance of the coach and a number of players affected the team severely and that is why it finished in sixth position. He vowed that this time, Mabrano are ready to win the First Division North and get automatic promotion to the Premier League. He said they have elected a new executive committee and held consultations with supporters to teach them about the importance of standing by the players at all times. This was done after the realisation that supporters abandon the team when the going gets tough. Gaboalashwe said it was important that players, supporters and management stand together. He asserted that the team needs supporters, especially when the chips are down.
He revealed that they have already signed two players to beef up the squad and they hope to add three more at the end of the transfer period. The two new signings are Geoffrey Ramadutlela from Miscellaneous and Elijah Casper from Sua Flamingos. Gaboalashwe said they have little competition in the First Division North as their major challengers, Boteti Young Fighters, has been promoted to the Premier League.
He said they are preparing to toss out giants Township Rollers from the lucrative Coke Cup at the weekend. He could not predict whether his side will reach the finals because at the moment their main focus is on the weekend game. He said a win against Rollers will open doors for them in the tournament. Mabrano qualified for the round of 16 after beating just relegated Premier League side FC Satmos 5-4 in the penalty shoot out.
