Cash-Strapped Sankoyo Banks On Trust
Boniface Keakabetse | Monday September 12, 2016 15:10
STMT manager, Galesengwe Haku told Monitor Sport they are looking at ways of how they can enter a technical deal with either Dlala or All Kasi.
STMT, which operate a tourism business was seriously affected by the government’s trophy hunting ban in 2014. Trophy hunting used to be the main source of income for the trust, which eventually affected funding for the club.
However, there is an air of expectation with the trust expected to finalise joint venture agreements worth millions with tour operators for operation of eco-tourism lodges in some of the Sankoyo trust concession areas. Sankoyo communications and marketing manager, Phemelo Saleshando recently told a press conference here that the club has entered into a partnership with STMT to help run the team.
He said in the relationship, they will pilot a new sports tourism model, which strive to give fans access to tourism in the Okavango Delta. “We will soon engage in a membership drive and, according to plan, all our registered members can have subsidised prices to visit some of the camps at STMT concessions,” he said.
Saleshando said they plan to invite other football fans from elsewhere to utilise subsidised prices into the delta.
He said lack of sponsorship and lack of interest from companies to sponsor the team remain their biggest challenge. He said they remain in talks with a number of companies although nothing has been agreed yet.
Meanwhile, the club is linked with the services of former Gaborone United mentor, Drago Stanaljovic with team manager, Onalenna Dithakanyane refuting that any deal was in place.
Dithakanyane said they are eyeing a number of foreign coaches, including Stanaljovic.
He could not explain why Stanaljovic has recently been at the team’s training ground. “Drago was just here to assess our squad. All the coaches we are eyeing have been advised to come and assess the squad,” he said.
Dithakanyane confirmed the signing of two Zimbabwean players. They are midfielder, Walter Sande and striker, Elenmore Rhaoppozzoh.
Among incoming players is former captain, Modiredi Matengu on a one-year loan from Township Rollers, midfielder Wabuya Aebe and defender, Thophang Mothei from Orapa.
Odirile Kgaodi also comes in a swap deal, which sees Wadza Seleka going to Extension Gunners.