Ratlou said the management always dragged its feet regarding his contract arguing he is a civil servant and therefore could not hold two jobs within the government. Ratlou is a teacher at Mahalapye Primary School while parastatal, Botswana Railways sponsors Highlanders. Ratlou is adamant that the whole issue was a trap and a deliberate plot to cheat him. He believes the team’s management had a hidden agenda from the beginning. Ratlou said there was always a plot to cheat him. Asked why he was saying this now, Ratlou said desperation and desire to succeed as a local coach drove him. He was patient hoping the officials will address the issue. “I was lenient with them and they took advantage and cheated me,” said a frustrated Ratlou.
Ratlou said he never enjoyed cordial relations with the management. He points fingers at some officials, among them team manager Witness Phuthego as behind his downfall. Ratlou said the players were always aggrieved and the management never listened. He said Phuthego always came towards match days just to announce travel arrangements. Ratlou said efforts to consult on players’ welfare with the management through Phuthego often fell on deaf ears.
