The duo left the record league champions at the end of last season following the expiry of their contracts. They have been on VTM’s radar and the team’s assistant coach, Onkemetse ‘Slinger’ Rannau confirmed that they have been offered contracts. Tshireletso and Molebatsi were part of the team’s squad over the weekend as VTM finished third in the Pre-Season Tournament held on Saturday at the VTM Arena. Rannau credited the two players’ impact in the squad during their short stint in pre-season preparations.
“If we can conclude our talks, they will have valuable impact in the team. They have that experience in the Premier League. Not taking anything from other experienced players in the team who were with us in the First Division, those are the type of players who would not struggle to play in the Premier League,” Rannau said. VTM has some bit of elite league experience among their ranks with former Rollers’ marksman, Bogosi Nfila, ex-Mochudi Centre Chiefs’s winger, Ayanda Molefhe and South African, Lucky Mokoena who was once in the books of Jwaneng Galaxy.
In addition, former Orlando Pirates duo, Rooi Mahamutsa and Sfiso Myeni have renewed their contracts with the club by a further year. Rannau said they are eyeing a mixture of youthful talents and experience ahead of their Premier League debut. “We are looking at the youth talent rather than experience. We need players who can play the way we want the team to play and experience cannot be bought at the supermarket. So we need to play these youngsters. At the moment we have players as young as 18 years, so we are looking for both,” he said.
Rannau was also pleased with the team’s display over the weekend and said the tournament has given the squad some much needed minutes on the pitch. VTM attained their maiden Premier League status after beating Chadibe FC in the promotional playoffs. The team has risen from the lowest structures of football to the elite league and achieved the feat without having experienced relegation along the way.
