Sankoyo breathing again after Trust rescue
Boniface Keakabetse | Thursday July 27, 2017 15:09
STMT is a Community Based Natural Resource Management organisation, which operates tourism concessions in the Okavango Delta. The Trust is the financial life blood of the team.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Ngurungu chairperson, Itumeleng Kelebetseng said the Trust has also bought the team a 25 seater mini bus for transportation purposes. Kelebetseng further told the media that the team has signed a two year deal with returning Zimbabwean coach, Philani Mabhena.
Kelebetseng said they will use the money to prepare for the upcoming season, adding they have already used part of the money to fund Mabhena’s return. The former Highlanders, FC Platinum and How Mine assistant coach was in charge of Sankoyo during its maiden season in 2014/2015 campaign. He later left to join Jwaneng Galaxy. He has been set a top eight target.
“I want to thank the team management for (showing) confidence in me. I am happy to return to Maun,” Mabhena said.
Sankoyo management announced that they want to take the team back to its glory days when fans used to fill the Maun Sports Complex.
Kelebetseng said the mini bus will help the club cut expenses they incurred on transporting the team. Kelebetseng said they are working around the clock to meet the requirements of club licensing adding that they have approached primary schools here to partner and form a youth development club.
STMT chairperson, Nkgotang Samakata explained that the funds they gave to the team are not sponsorship, but financial help. Samakata said they would further avail an office complete with internet connection, to the team so that it could meet the requirements of club licensing.
Meanwhile Ngurungu public relations officer, Baganetsi Kamanakao confirmed that Sankoyo have lost three players; Wabuya Aebe, Moagi Sechele and Botshelo Mafoko who have joined Jwaneng Galaxy. Assistant coach, Gadimang Tiiso said they just concluded trials and they hope to announce new signings soon.
Sankoyo are linked with a return of its former attacker, Morris Ruzivo who has been training with the team. Left back, Lesego Matoteng is also said to be on his way back to Ngurungu while Jwaneng Galaxy are said to be planning to loan back Botshelo Mafoko to Sankoyo.
The Maun side endured a tough season due to financial constraints, which saw a mass exodus of players.