In this era, the men with football brains dig deeper into the clubs' coffers to get the best man for the job. Unsurprisingly, it is a struggle for clubs without deep pockets. Newly promoted Young Stars are one lucky side as they have a head coach for free. The team's coach, Andrew Tlou, is working voluntarily and does not get a salary. The Jwaneng mentor guided the team to a first Botswana Premier League (BPL) status, making him the most successful coach in the club's 46-year history. Quizzed by MmegiSport after the season finale, Tlou revealed he is comfortable with his status at the club. 'Druza' said he is an employee at the Debswana Jwaneng Mine and is a volunteer coach at the First Division South League champions. "Look, I work at the mine, so here I am on a voluntary basis. I am not paid to be here and that is the difference with me and other coaches out there. I only get bonuses and in terms of salary, I get nothing. I do not have a salary," Tlou said.
"I have committed myself to giving back to society because that is what my employer, Debswana encourages, to give back to the needy. They need a coach so they have me. Because I do not get paid, I do not ask for anything. I am here to enjoy, build my CV, and learn more in the game," he added. Young Stars attained promotion with a good four points ahead of second-placed Uniao Flamengo Santos. The team started with two wins against City Polar and Santos at home before they registered a loss away to Tlokweng United. They went on a winning streak before they drew against Extension Gunners just before the season midpoint. Dinaletsana then regained their mojo until a shock 1-0 loss at home in the final three games of the season. The team registered 14 wins from 22 games, lost six times and played to a draw on two occasions. "You cannot expect not to lose because the South division is very competitive. Everyone wants it and it is not everyone who can win it. It takes a lot to win it and you have to work hard. We worked hard, tirelessly and we deserve the credit because we collected maximum points in almost every game," Tlou said as he reflected on a successful league campaign.
He said he was not concerned by the possibility of bigger teams poaching his players. In January, the team lost its top goal scorer, Stephen Sibanda, who now turns out for Orapa United. Tlou said his side can match a number of Premier League sides in terms of salaries and advised his players to move to an environment that will have both football and financial benefits. "For what I know with us, I believe we pay well and with that, no one can leave. Yes, they can promise more money than we have but normally you can have that money for a month and that's it. The next three months would be a setback. I believe what we are giving these guys makes them happy and for them to go out there, it will be a big mistake. I believe they need to settle here so that they can help sustain this team in the Premier League, and if they go to teams, they need to go to the right teams. You need to be sure that where you are going, you are going to get a better life than now," Tlou said.
